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CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE:

In 1999 Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) caused the deaths of 512,904 females. The YWCA wishes to empower women to learn how to take good care of their health through knowledge and action thus reducing their risk of CVD.

Cardiovascular Disease is a congenital or acquired abnormality in the structure or function of the heart.  CVD can take many forms, such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, valvular disease, stroke, or rheumatic disease.

The FACTS:

  • According to the American Heart Association (AHA), in the US all cardiovascular diseases combined claim the lives of 512,904 females while all forms of cancer combined to kill 264,006 females.
  • 1 in 5 women has some form of cardiovascular disease. (AHA)
  • Since 1984, the number of CVD deaths for females has exceeded those for males.  The difference in deaths now is more than 67,000 per year. (AHA)
  • Some aspects of the modern Western way of life have been identified as risk factors for the disease, particularly smoking, excessive consumption of animal fats, stress, and lack of exercise.
  • Coronary Heart Disease is the single leading cause of death in American females. (AHA)
  • Among Americans age 18 and older, 22.6 million women (21.5%) are smokers, putting them at increased risk of heart attack and stroke. (AHA)
  • Medical research suggests that having small amounts of alcohol protects against heart disease and heart attacks.  An appropriate amount is one 8 ounce glass of wine, or two 12 ounce glasses of beer, or one cocktail made with 2 ounces of 100 proof liquor, per day.  Moderate amounts of alcohol raises HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which helps to move more of the LDL (bad) cholesterol out of the body. (The Health Authority)

The ACTION:

Prevention ideas:

  • Exercise at least 30 minutes per day (a brisk 20-30 minute walk almost every day)
  • Do Not Smoke!
  • Limit the intake of salt to no more than a teaspoon (6 grams) per day.
  • Decrease your level of fat and cholesterol (i.e., fatty red meats, whole milk, whole milk cheeses, eggs, cream-based dishes, and rich desserts).
  • Use olive, canola, or peanut oil instead of butter.
  • Replace fried foods with grilled, baked, steamed and broiled foods.
  • Manage stress.
  • Moderate alcohol consumption (see above).
     

See our "Quick Links" page for web links on Cardiovascular Disease