Women must be aware when it comes to matters of the heart

Heart disease is the No.1 killer of women in the U.S., claiming nearly twice as many lives as all forms of cancer.

“There are many theories as to why women have a higher mortality rate from heart disease,” says Dr. Elizabeth Holper, associate professor of internal medicine at
UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Research has demonstrated that patients who know the status of their risk factors, including cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and who control these risks, do better in the long term.”

Other ways women can reduce their risk of heart disease include quitting smoking, lowering the amount of saturated fat in their diets and exercising — even as little as 30 minutes a day.

“Most of all, talk with your doctor about your risk,” says Dr. Holper, an interventional cardiologist. “It should be a top priority.”

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/heartlungvascular to learn more about heart/lung/vascular clinical services at UT Southwestern.

Media Contact: Katherine Morales

February is American Heart Month. National Donor Day is Feb. 14.

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