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 Women's Health

Women and Heart Disease Prevention

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Wear red in February for American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day (the first Friday in February) to help raise awareness about heart disease, but don't stop there. Make sure you know the signs of a heart attack, questions to ask your doctor about heart health, and how to lower your risk for heart disease.

Having high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol, smoking, and having had a previous heart attack, stroke, or diabetes can increase your chances of having a heart attack.

Lower Your Risk for Heart Disease

Everyone can take steps to lower their risk for heart disease and heart attack. It’s time to get serious about adding a healthy diet and exercise into your daily life. A healthy lifestyle of eating healthy, staying active, being smoke-free, and getting regular check-ups is your best weapon to fight heart disease.

Heart Disease Prevention: What You Can Do

How Do I Find Out If I am at Risk for Heart Disease? (NIH)

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Know the risk factors that may increase your chances of getting heart disease.

  • Alcohol
  • Blood Cholesterol Levels
  • Diabetes
  • Diet
  • Heredity
  • Obesity
  • Physical Activity
  • Tobacco Use

Heart Disease Risk Factors

Ask Questions

Getting answers to these questions will help you better understand your heart health. Take this list to your next appointment, and write in the answers.

  • What is my risk for heart disease?
  • What is my blood pressure? What does it mean for me, and what do I need to do about it?
  • What are my cholesterol numbers (including total cholesterol, LDL or “bad” cholesterol, HDL or “good” cholesterol, and triglycerides)? What do they mean for me, and what do I need to do about them?
  • What is my “body mass index” and waist measurement? Is my BMI in the “normal” range? Do I need to lose weight for my health?
  • What is my blood sugar level? Am I at risk for diabetes?
  • What other screening tests for heart disease do I need? How often should I return for checkups for my heart health?
  • What can you do to help me quit smoking?
  • How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
  • What is a heart-healthy eating plan for me? Should I see a registered dietitian or qualified nutritionist to learn more about healthy eating?
  • How can I tell if I’m having a heart attack?

Questions to Ask Your Doctor (NIH)

Quit Smoking Today!

Know the Signs, and Act Immediately

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke and to act immediately by calling 911. A person's chances of surviving are increased if emergency treatment is given as soon as possible.

Make The Call. Don’t Miss A Beat

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

Send a Heart Health-e-Card

Help raise awareness about heart disease and show your loved ones you care by sending them a heart health-e-card!

Women’s Health Heart Health E-Cards

All Heart Health E-Cards

Heart Health Posters

Poster 8.5x11 inches - February is American Heart Month - Live Heart Smart - Eat Healthy - Be Active - Be Smoke-Free - Get Check-ups - Help Raise Awareness About Heart Disease - Wear Red, Friday, February 5, 2010 - Learn More: www.cdc.gov/heartdisease or www.cdc.gov/women/heart Heart Health Poster, PDF
8.5x11 in., 234KB

Poster 11x17 inches - February is American Heart Month - Live Heart Smart - Eat Healthy - Be Active - Be Smoke-Free - Get Check-ups - Help Raise Awareness About Heart Disease - Wear Red, Friday, February 5, 2010 - Learn More: www.cdc.gov/heartdisease or www.cdc.gov/women/heart Heart Health Poster, PDF
11x17 in., 414KB

Poster 24x38 inches - February is American Heart Month - Live Heart Smart - Eat Healthy - Be Active - Be Smoke-Free - Get Check-ups - Help Raise Awareness About Heart Disease - Wear Red, Friday, February 5, 2010 - Learn More: www.cdc.gov/heartdisease or www.cdc.gov/women/heart Heart Health Poster, PDF
24x38 in., 688KB


Poster 8.5x11 inches - February is American Heart Month - Live Heart Smart - Eat Healthy - Be Active - Be Smoke-Free - Get Check-ups - Help Raise Awareness About Heart Disease - Wear Red, Friday, February 5, 2010 - Learn More: www.cdc.gov/heartdisease or www.cdc.gov/women/heart Live Heart Smart Poster, PDF
8.5x11 in., 298KB

Poster 11x17 inches - February is American Heart Month - Live Heart Smart - Eat Healthy - Be Active - Be Smoke-Free - Get Check-ups - Help Raise Awareness About Heart Disease - Wear Red, Friday, February 5, 2010 - Learn More: www.cdc.gov/heartdisease or www.cdc.gov/women/heart Live Heart Smart Poster, PDF
11x17 in., 485KB

Poster 24x38 inches - February is American Heart Month - Live Heart Smart - Eat Healthy - Be Active - Be Smoke-Free - Get Check-ups - Help Raise Awareness About Heart Disease - Wear Red, Friday, February 5, 2010 - Learn More: www.cdc.gov/heartdisease or www.cdc.gov/women/heart Live Heart Smart Poster, PDF
24x38 in., 753KB

 

 

 

 

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Content Source: CDC Office of Women's Health
Page last modified: February 3, 2011
Page last reviewed: February 3, 2011