Heart disease is the number one killer of American women. This comes as quite a shock to some who still tend to dismiss it as an “old man’s disease.” That’s why it’s so important to understand not only the disease itself, but how it affects women specifically. Below you’ll find a list of the top 5 websites that focus on women and heart disease:
1. A project of the US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, WomensHealth.gov has compiled all the newest studies and publications regarding heart disease.
2. WomenHeart.org is the online home of the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. Its founders each had heart attacks in their 40s and were shocked at how little information was available to women with heart disease. Now their site educates and supports thousands of women living with the cardiovascular condition.
3. For a straightforward definition of heart disease and ways to prevent it, visit NLM.gov.
4. CardioSmart.org helps both patients and caregivers understand the risks of coronary events and how to prevent them. They can assist you in finding a cardiologist near you and help you prepare for a visit.
5. When the American Heart Association realized in 2004 that cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 women every year, they created GoRedForWomen.org. They now work to raise awareness and change the future of this disease.
Any one of these websites is a great place to learn more about heart disease and how it affects American women. And having this information may very well prove to be invaluable—you’ll know the signs of a heart attack, tips for prevention, and what to do after you have an episode.