While men tend to develop heart disease earlier in their lives, women narrow the gap starting after menopause. In fact, the risk of heart disease for women after menopause doubles compared with that for men of the same age and younger women. One reason for the increased risk may be the loss of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen replacement for women after menopause could offer some protection against heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. However, some scientists say more research is needed to fully understand estrogen's role.
Medical experts agree that the risk can be reduced.
Women over age 50 can start by becoming aware of the risk factors linked to heart disease. While some factors can't be changed, others are the result of lifestyle habits such as smoking and physical inactivity. Women can also be aware of the warning signs of heart attackIn addition, they need to contact their health care professional immediately if they experience one of the warning signs. Responding immediately to these warning signs is vital for satisfactory recovery from an attack. Many new treatments that break blood clots can reduce the damage to the heart only in the first few hours after the onset of symptoms-so every minute counts.