Women & heart disease
Heart disease and stroke is the leading cause of death for women in Canada – but most don’t know it.
The good news is that cardiovascular disease is often preventable. When can reduce their risk by as much as 80 percent by making lifestyle changes. Taking a look at your risk factors and your current lifestyle, and you can make small positive changes to everyday habits.
Like many women, you may be so busy taking care of others that you don’t always look after yourself. Yet enjoying a long and healthy life is the best gift you can give to those you love. So take a moment, pledge your commitment to heart health, and support the other women in your life to do the same.
A few facts about women and heart disease
- Cardiovascular disease is responsible for more than 30% of female deaths in Canada.
- In Canada, stroke kills 45% more women than men. And women are 16% more likely to die after a heart attack.
- One in three women, aged 65 plus, has some type of heart & blood vessel disease.
Special risk factors for women
- If you're over 35, smoke, and take oral contraceptives, your risk increases significantly. You can reduce your risk by not smoking.
- Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease in women under the age of 50. Lifestyle choices can help prevent or manage diabetes.
- Menopause results in lower levels of the hormone estrogen, which has been associated with helping protect women against heart disease. Making healthy lifestyle choices becomes especially important at this stage in life.
Source: Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada
