Women and heart disease, the number 1 killer

When you think of the number one killer of women in America, you might think of certain types of cancers. <br><br>News on Six medical reporter Tami Marler says half of all women in America will eventually

Wednesday, September 25th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

When you think of the number one killer of women in America, you might think of certain types of cancers.

News on Six medical reporter Tami Marler says half of all women in America will eventually die of heart disease or stroke. And research shows most of us don't take it to heart. Itâ€™s become routine for Janice Childers, a regular check-up with her cardiologist.

But the 49 year-old grandmother had never seen doctor Ellen Chen before going to the emergency room with dull body aches. "In my back, right here, and like I said, right here, that was it. And it wasn't really what you call a stabbing, it was just a dull aching like, Oh God I've worked hard all day, you know?" Even though both her mother and father have had heart problems, Janice never considered herself â€˜at risk.â€™ "I always thought, okay, Iâ€™d know if I'm going to have a heart attack. I'll know it; you know, the pain's unbearable. You'll know it. But you don't."

"Men tend to have typical symptoms, crushing chest pain like an elephant sits on my chest; for women the presentation may be a little bit more atypical." Dr. Chen says most patients don't realize how deadly heart attacks are in women and symptoms can be as mild as nausea, a toothache or lightheadedness.

That's why it's important to know what puts you at risk: Family history, being overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, physical inactivity, high cholesterol and smoking can all be managed. "Haven't had one in a month and a half. Very good I'm very impressed with that, cold turkey."

Janice has quit smoking, and made other important lifestyle changes in the last six weeks. She takes medications to control her blood pressure and cholesterol. â€œTry to watch what you eat? Yes I'm trying. Trying." She's cutting down on dietary fat and taking regular walks, all to reduce her risk of a second heart attack. "It's almost like someone hands you a piece of paper that says 'okay, this is your death warrant baby, this is your reality wakeup."

The American Heart Association says only 30% of physicians discuss heart disease with their patients. That's why it's so important to be armed with your own information.

Make sure your doctor knows your risk factors for heart disease.