These days, heart disease in women has gained more public awareness. Previously, it was thought that heart disease affected males and females in the same way and followed the same pathology.

Think again.

The Age Factor

You probably imagine that heart problems happen more often in males than females. However, that isn't necessarily true and especially not for females over 65.

Men can have heart problems starting in the fifties age range, but the statistics even out once ladies hit the age of 65.  Then we're both fair game.

Survivability - The Fragile Female Heart

Heart disease is the number one killer of females sixty-five years or older. Did you know that American women have a 4 to 6 times greater chance of dying from a heart illness than from breast cancer?  You may have a mammogram every couple of years, but when is the last time you had your heart checked?

This next piece of news isn't good, either. Studies show that women may have decreased survivability because of a less robust heart and/or smaller blood vessels.  And in general, it's because we're not as active throughout our lives as men.

Another reason for a lowered survivability is undoubtedly because females are less apt to go to a doctor when the first symptoms appear.

Heart Disease in Women -- How to Survive

There isn't much you can do about the genetics and family history of heart problems. So let's concentrate on ways to lower the risk factors for female heart disease.

A healthy cholesterol level and blood pressure in the normal range is crucial to lowering your risk.  For example, there are foods that lower cholesterol.  And if diet and exercise alone don't work to get them in the normal range, then medication might have to be prescribed. Talk to your doctor; learn what steps you can take to avoid becoming a statistic.

Along with diet and exercise, excess weight is very definitely a factor. If you're overweight, a bonus to losing the extra pounds is it also help to reduce your probabilities of developing other conditions, like diabetes.

Do You Know Heart Attack Symptoms?

Don't risk becoming a statistic. Knowing even mild heart attach symptoms increases your survival rate.

After all, that back pain may not be back pain, but your heart trying to tell you something!