Women are at an increased risk after menopause, with more than half of all women over the age of 55 suffering from hypertension. High Blood Cholesterol Research indicates that a high level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor as it increases the chance of having heart disease or stroke almost three-fold. Today, about one-third of Canadian women have blood cholesterol levels high enough to pose a serious risk for heart disease. The risk of death from heart disease is doubled in women with diabetes. Lack of Physical Exercise Research has shown that heart disease is almost twice as likely to develop in inactive people than in those who are active.
Aerobic exercises are the best exercises for strengthening the heart.
They include brisk walking, jogging, dancing and swimming. Regular physical activity also helps to maintain a healthy body weight and control cholesterol and blood pressure levels. The Risks Take Charge Take charge now and reduce your risk factors for heart disease and stroke. It may not seem easy, but thousands of Canadian women have already proven that it can be done. Become more active, make sensible, healthy food choices and quit smoking.