CHD: Women Can Lower Their Risk

CHD: Women Can Lower Their Risk

Millions of American women have coronary heart disease (CHD). Two major risk factors for CHD in women are high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Keeping Cholesterol in Check
Cholesterol comes in two varieties. LDL—low-density lipoprotein—is known as “bad” cholesterol because it can clog arteries to your heart. This raises your risk for heart attack and other health problems. HDL—high-density lipoprotein—is “good” cholesterol because it lowers your risk.

After menopause, estrogen levels decrease. This has an effect on cholesterol—LDL increases and HDL decreases. These factors increase a woman’s CHD risk. Between ages 45 and 55, women’s LDL levels begin to rise higher than those of men.

To keep LDL levels in check, take the following steps:

  • Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
  • Limit foods high in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol—such as fatty meats, egg yolks, and whole milk.

You can also raise your HDL levels with 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days. Moderate activities include brisk walking or gardening.

Some Facts About Blood Pressure
Another major CHD risk factor is high blood pressure, which increases with age. After age 50, more women than men get high blood pressure. More than half of all American women older than age 55 have high blood pressure.

To prevent and control high blood pressure, keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly. The same exercise guidelines for cholesterol levels can also apply for high blood pressure.

Limiting sodium and alcohol are important for high blood pressure control and prevention. Most women should consume no more than 2,400 milligrams of sodium daily. Processed foods provide most of the sodium in American diets.

Women who drink should stop at one alcoholic drink a day.

Knowing your cholesterol and blood pressure levels is a major step in learning about your risk for CHD. Talk with your doctor about getting tested.

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