This press release contains dated information and should be used for background only.
Moms are remembered on Mother’s Day because of the love in their hearts. This year as we remember Mom and all the important women in our lives we need to remind them to take care of those hearts.
Dr. Loren Berenbom, a cardiologist at The University of Kansas Hospital, said that women are statistically seven times more likely to die of heart disease than from breast cancer.
A recent study from the Center for Disease Control indicates the rates of sudden cardiac death (SCD) are increasing in people of all ages including a 10 percent increase in people between 15 and 34. Alarmingly, SCD has increased in young women by 30 percent from 1989 to 1996.
Experts point to increased smoking, poor diet and a lack of physical activity as contributing factors to increased levels of SCD.
Dr. Martin Emert, The University of Kansas Hospital cardiologist, pointed out that while heart disease and heart attacks have long been known as a threat to men, they hold equal danger to women.
Berenbom pointed out that one possible risk factor for a woman is that there often is no one pushing her to have a check up.
"I’ve seen many cases where we’ve discovered heart disease in a man because he complained to his wife and his wife made him get checked out," Berenbom said.
"We don’t see that many cases where a husband has convinced his wife to come in. I think among other things, women are less likely than men to complain about chest pains or other warning signs."
Emert said women should be aware of the warning signs of heart attack and respond appropriately.
"Just like men, women need to be aware of the warning signs of heart attack, including pains in the chest, decreased exercise tolerance, heart palpitations, light-headedness and dizziness," Emert said.
He added that one of the greatest risk factors for heart disease and heart attack is heredity. "Women need to be aware of this risk factor. The heredity risk is not limited by gender,"Emert said.
The University of Kansas Hospital is committed to increasing the public’s awareness of heart disease. A sheet with heart safety tips is available from the heart team at The University of Kansas Hospital. Call (913) 588-1227 to ask for a copy or to find out more about the heart team at The University of Kansas Hospital.