For example, obesity or smoking often leads to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It's important to look at all of the risk factors combined, because the likelihood of developing heart disease increases with each additional risk factor. Post-menopausal women also are at greater risk.
Women tend to develop the disease about ten years after menopause.
As physicians and patients, we need to be sure all symptoms are assessed thoroughly. CareGroup hospitals offer cardiac wellness programs and cardiac rehabilitation programs for individuals with heart disease and those at risk of developing heart disease. These programs include supervised exercise, nutrition counseling, stress management, education and peer support. They offer a well-rounded approach that gives a woman the specific skills she needs to change behaviors and become an active member of her care.