Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans. But it kills more women than men. In general, women are less likely than men to survive heart attacks. Experts are now discovering that heart disease may act differently in women.
Dr. Khin Saw Win differentiates between two types of cholesterol: so-called good and bad cholesterol (HDL and LDL). High cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and being overweight can all cause different forms of heart disease.
After menopause some women are likely to have cardiovascular disease due to the level of hormone. Dr. Khin Saw Win says the lining of arteries may also weaken as levels of estrogen decrease in older women. That hormone helps process nitric oxide, which helps arteries work better.
She says cardiovascular disease is often preventable; Eating healthy food, doing a brisk exercise regularly, quit smoking, etc.