What is the lead-ing cause of death among women in the world? Breast cancer you say? WRONG! It is cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The American Heart Association says CVD kills nearly 500,000 women in the United States each year. It claims more lives than the next seven causes of death combined, including cancer. This equates to one death per minute among females.
A survey conducted in 2003 and published by the American Heart Association on women's awareness revealed only 46 percent knew that CVD was the leading cause of death. Although this is up from a study conducted in 1997, there is still a definite need for further education of women regarding CVD.
According to the survey, women had general knowledge of the risk factors associated with CVD. However, most did not know their own levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the 2 components of total cholesterol. Total cholesterol has no real value by itself. The third component that women must understand is triglycerides.
The survey also showed that women cited two unproven protective strategies to protect heart and blood vessels. Sixty-four percent cited antioxidant supplements E, C and A. The balance referred to aromatherapy.
Regarding hormone therapy, most respondents stated they were confused on hormone therapy effects of CVD. The American Heart Association bases their recommendations on two controlled research studies and has concluded hormone therapy fails to protect against CVD. Hormone therapy may even increase the risk of heart attack risks especially during the first year of use.
On average, women develop heart disease later in life than men. Women are more likely to have other co-existing, chronic conditions that may mask symptoms of heart disease.
Because women have heart attacks at older ages than men do, they're more likely to die from them within a few weeks.
Studies also show the majority of women who die suddenly of CVD have no previous symptoms and will have another heart attack within six years after a recognized heart attack. Nearly half will be disabled with heart failure.
Women need to be proactive in their health care education and treatment. Do you know your cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides? Do you know your cardiac risk?
Education is the best preventative measure.
Gloria J. April, RN, MSN, was a critical care nurse for 21 years and has been a Practical Nursing instructor at First Coast Technical Institute for the past 11 years. Licensed in the United Kingdom, April will travel to London in June after her FCTI retirement to work as a critical care nurse.
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