There are two major types of cholesterol. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a “good” cholesterol. It helps in prevention of heart disease. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL), however, has been associated with high risk for cardiovascular disease.

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
  High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, and contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.
  
• Lack of regular exercise
  Exercise is important for keeping your heart strong, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and maintaining good circulation.
  
• Stress
  Stress seems to be a part of our daily lives; but we can learn to control how it makes us feel.
  
• Obesity
  Extra weight causes the heart to work harder, and can increase your risk for development of diabetes.
  
• Diabetes
  Diabetes doubles the risk for heart disease in men, and triples it for women. Diabetes is also associated with development of atherosclerosis.

So what’s a woman to do? Fortunately, many of the risk factors for development of heart disease can be modified.

What can you do to decrease your risk?

• Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke.
  
• Begin a regular exercise program.
  
• Drop those extra pounds. Even being just 15 pounds overweight can increase the risk of a heart attack.
  
• Have your blood pressure checked frequently. High blood pressure overworks your heart, and “beats up” on arteries.
  
• Eat a heart healthy diet. Load your plate with fruits and vegetables. Skip “heavy” meals. Try fish and chicken instead of red meat
  
• Have your cholesterol checked.
  
• Understand how your body reacts to stress, and how to decrease your stress level.
  
• Discuss hormone replacement therapy with your doctor. It can dramatically decrease the risk for development of heart disease.
  
• Learn CPR. It may save someone you love.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs, in most cases, when a vessel supplying the heart muscle with blood and oxygen becomes completely blocked. The vessel has become narrowed by a slow buildup of fatty deposits, made up mostly of cholesterol. When a clot occurs in this narrowed vessel, it completely blocks the supply of blood to the heart muscle. That part of the heart muscle will begin to die if you do not seek immediate medical attention.

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, which can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath, occurring with or before chest discomfort.
• Other symptoms may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness. Treatments are most effective when they occur in the early stages of chest pain.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

It’s important to remember:
Women often do not have the same signs of heart attacks as men.

• Pressure, fullness, squeezing pain in the center of the chest, spreading to the neck, shoulder or jaw pain
• Chest discomfort with light-headedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath
• Upper abdominal pressure or discomfort
• Lower chest discomfort
• Back pain
• Unusual fatigue
• Unusual shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Nausea

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