Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? One in four women die from heart disease, and many do not realize they have even one of the risk factors.

February is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative, which aims to increase the awareness of heart disease and its symptoms in women. Women are less likely to experience the “typical” symptoms of a heart attack like crushing chest pain. Heart attacks in women often present as jaw pain, shortness of breath, fatigue or dizziness. Some women experience pain in their stomachs and mistake it for heartburn.

It is important to talk to your doctor about the risk factors of heart disease. Risk factors for women include:

• Being post-menopause.
• Partial hysterectomy.
• History of using or currently using birth control pills.
• Pregnancy and the high-risk complications that can come with pregnancy.
• Family history of heart disease.
• Smoking.
• Obesity or overweight.
• Diabetes.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Age.
• Physical inactivity.

While we don’t have control over some risk factors like age or family history, there are some lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease. If you smoke, quit now. Choose healthy whole foods low in sodium and cholesterol. Use vegetable oils rather than solid fats like butter or margarine for cooking. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Exercise regularly – if you are not very active now, increase your activity gradually. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight will also reduce your risk.

Learn more about your risk for heart disease by taking this risk assessment. Be sure to discuss the results with your health care provider. They can help you keep your heart beating strong!