Seventy million Americans, about one in four, suffer from heart or blood vessel disease. Studies show our community has one of the highest rates of heart disease in Southern California, making heart disease a major concern at Glendale Memorial Hospital. One fact many people do not know is that heart disease is not just a man's disease. The chances of a woman getting heart disease increases after the age of 45. That's because this is the time when many women's bodies stop generating estrogen.
Medical studies indicate that estrogen is a natural protector from heart disease.
Women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms, like extreme fatigue and shortness of breath, than chest pain. The result is many women delay seeking medical attention so crucial time is lost. Heart disease is systemic, which means it affects much more than just your heart. Ailments of the heart can impact your circulation, motor coordination, respiratory capacity, and memory, among other things. Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk of having a heart attack.