The nation’s women have been vigilant in the fight against breast and cervical cancers. Yearly, we ‘Race for the Cure’ with Susan G. Komen; we join celebrities in their quest to educate our sisters and daughters about the Gardisil vaccine. One in every 30 women dies from these cancers.

Yet 1 in 3 women die from cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 37 percent of all female deaths in the United States are attributed to heart disease. And although heart disease knows no age limit, it is of particular concern for women ages 55 and older.

Does that mean younger women can put off staying heart healthy until then? Absolutely not. This is no longer your grandmother’s affliction; this has become a challenge for all of us. The time to start is right now.

Often called “the silent killer,” heart disease in women sometimes truly is silent. The signs are subtle and many times ignored because they are not the classic markers of heart trouble. Women clinically present differently than men do in an acute coronary emergency. The signs you are having heart problems:

• Shortness of breath

• Chest discomfort that radiates to your back or jaw

• Indigestion or “sour stomach”

• Fainting or near-fainting episodes

• Cold sweats, nausea

There are ways to prevent heart disease, and significantly slash your risk factors. Unfortunately, we cannot do anything about heredity, the biggest risk factor, but there are other ways to protect your heart muscle:

1. Quit smoking
2. Maintain a healthy weight
3. Exercise regularly
4. Eat healthy foods; avoid fats and cholesterol-laden treats
5. Treat stress and depression

Smoking cigarettes causes your heart rate to rise in an unhealthy way, raises blood pressure by narrowing your blood vessels, and leaves hardened deposits under the walls of your arteries, restricting blood flow.

Reducing excess weight lowers stress on your heart; regular exercise makes the heart stronger, as with any muscle. And avoiding foods with fat (especially trans fat), salt and extra calories lowers the chance of fatty deposits in your arteries. A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, lean meats and fish is a good start.

Stress can place real physical strain on your heart. Make an effort to relax at least once a day. See your doctor if stress, anxiety and depression last for more than a few days.

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