Cardiovascular Disease 

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a term that includes many diseases of the heart and circulatory system. For both men and women, CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide. Although rates have decreased because of advances in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, still one in three US women will die of heart disease, and more women will die of CVD than men. 

The risk for CVD in women increases with age such as it does in men, but the increase starts a little later in women. Most CVD in women occurs during the years after menopause. Cholesterol levels have been found to increase in the early years after menopause. Of note, premature menopause is an established risk factor for CVD. 

Risk Factors

A number of risk factors are associated with CVD. Some risk factors for heart disease, such as family history or ethnicity, cannot be changed. Others can be modified. 

• Smoking: Tobacco use is the single most important preventable risk factor for CVD in women. Women who smoke are two to six times more likely to have a heart attack than are nonsmokers. When a woman stops smoking, no matter how long or how much she has smoked, her risk of heart disease, along with other health risks, drops quickly. 

• Blood pressure: A normal blood pressure (BP) reading is when the systolic pressure (upper number) is lower than 120 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure (lower number) is lower than 80 mm Hg. When these levels climb to 130 mm Hg or higher for systolic pressure or 80 mm Hg or higher for diastolic pressure, this is considered high blood pressure (hypertension). Treatment is recommended for women whose BP regularly exceeds these limits.  

• Cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol, especially high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), in the blood can cause a buildup of plaque on the inner walls of arteries. Plaque slows blood flow or blocks it entirely. If a blood vessel in the heart becomes blocked, a heart attack can occur. If this blockage happens in a blood vessel in the brain, a stroke can occur. Elevated cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for CVD.  

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are significantly more likely to develop heart disease than people without diabetes. Preventing diabetes by losing weight and watching your diet is important because these are factors that you can control. 

• Exercise: Regular physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, promotes cardiovascular health. Midlife women who exercise regularly have lower weight, BP, and blood glucose levels, as well as healthier cholesterol levels. It’s recommended that women accumulate at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise (such as brisk walking) or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise.  

• Weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight is important for optimal cardiovascular health. Women who are overweight can reduce health risks greatly by losing just 10% of their weight. A combined approach of diet and exercise is best.  

• Nutrition: Choose a diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and high fiber, fish, proteins low in saturated fat and cholesterol, limited sodium, and limited alcohol consumption. 

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