In the United States, a woman dies from cardiovascular disease every minute, according to the American Heart Association. It is the leading cause of death among women in the United States who are over age 25, noted the Cleveland Clinic, with the death rate increasing.
While there are several non-modifiable risk factors for heart disease, there are ones that can be changed, such as lifestyle choices. For example, high triglycerides and high blood cholesterol can increase an individual's risk, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
EmpowHER talked to Lori Mosca, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center and Director of Preventive Cardiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and Lisa R. Young, Ph.D., R.D., C.D.N., a nutritionist in private practice and an adjunct professor at New York University about the importance of an omega-3 rich diet to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
EmpowHER:
What types of lifestyle and diet choices can put an individual at risk for heart attack?
Dr. Mosca:
People often don't realize that their diet and lifestyle contribute to their risk for developing heart disease. One simple recommendation for preventing heart disease is to incorporate two to three servings of fish into your diet each week; however, most Americans report eating less than half of this amount. Additionally, a diet high in fat, sodium and trans-fats and low in fiber has been shown to increase a person's risk for heart disease.
EmpowHER:
What do women need to know about heart disease?
Dr. Mosca:
Women need to know that they can have an active role in their health to prevent heart disease. More than 200,000 women die each year from heart disease; however, research has shown that many women are still unaware of their risk for developing heart disease. I encourage every woman to begin a conversation with her doctor about her risk factors and ways to take action early on.
Every woman should also know her numbers -- cholesterol, blood sugar and waist size -- to be aware of and manage her risk for heart disease.
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