Patient Education	Print Format

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Women and Cardiovascular Disease

Each year more women than men die from cardiovascular disease. Here are some startling statistics. Cardiovascular disease:

• Kills more than 500,000 women each year
• Is responsible for one out of every three women's death
• Causes twice as many deaths in women than all forms of cancer combined

Women do not experience heart disease the same way men do. Women tend to have less angina, or pain. Also, heart attacks among women usually are more sudden and come on with less warning.

Because cardiovascular disease is a silent killer, it is important for women to take good care of their heart throughout their life, and not only as they get older. In most cases, heart and blood vessel diseases develop slowly, over several years.

Women can help reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by:

• Not smoking
• Eating a low-fat diet, including fruits and vegetables
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Seeing their doctor for regular check-ups
• Talking with their doctor about any questions or concerns they may have

• UCSF Heart and Vascular Center
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Heart Failure
• More Patient Education Materials

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.