By the way

Women and cardiac diseases

Many women still think they cannot have coronary diseases. They are more afraid of ovarian or breast cancers, but coronary disease is actually the leading cause of death in women in the US.

Heart disease often presents itself differently in women than it does in men. That includes the warning signs of a heart attack as well. In addition to the classic heart attack warning signs women may experience less common signs such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain in one or both arms.

For mature women, the question of menopause and heart health is particularly important. Long gone is the misconception that estrogen protects post-menopausal women from heart disease. Therefore, mature women need to maintain an open dialogue with their primary care physicians and gynecologists on the subject, and again not be afraid to ask questions.

Compiled by Zubaida Munny