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Heart disease remains #1 killer of women, Massena Memorial Hospital says

Posted 3/5/16

MASSENA – Heart disease is the number one killer of women, according to Massena Memorial Hospital. To raise awareness of the issue, the hospital’s cardiology unit wants everyone to know the facts …

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Heart disease remains #1 killer of women, Massena Memorial Hospital says

Posted

MASSENA – Heart disease is the number one killer of women, according to Massena Memorial Hospital.

To raise awareness of the issue, the hospital’s cardiology unit wants everyone to know the facts about heart disease and that it affects both men and women.

According to a release from MMH, about 1,100 American women die each day because of heart disease, and is the number one killer of women.

The release adds that each year since 1984, heart disease has killed more women than men.

Erika Thompson, a physician's assistant at Massena Memorial Hospital's Cardiology Group shared some ways to help minimize the risk.

"First and foremost, no smoking" Thompson says, smoking is a risk for both men and women but women smokers are twice as likely as male smokers to suffer a heart attack.

"You want to make sure that you are keeping your blood pressure in an ideal range, generally around 120/80. Lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) to less than 100, but optimally less than 70. Keeping your glucose to goal, and maintain a healthy weight by daily aerobic exercise and a healthy diet."

There are a lot of way to minimize your risks and sometimes it can seem overwhelming, but your healthcare team can help.