February is National Heart Month. And this morning, Dr. Alicia Arnold joined us to discuss the impact of heart disease on women.

Meghan Kulig: What are some important facts that our viewers should know?

Dr. Arnold: Cardiovascular disease, which is disease of the heart and blood vessels, is the number one killer of American women. Millions of women in our country are affected and all too often women think it can't happen to them. While heart disease becomes more common as women grow older, awareness at an early age can help women make good choices that will lower their risk later. Let's start with some basics that apply to both genders. You can talk with your healthcare provider to learn about your blood pressure and cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends that ideal untreated blood pressure be less than 120/80 mmHg and ideal untreated total cholesterol be less than 200 mg/dL. You can also discuss with your physician whether taking aspirin could be of benefit to you.

Meghan Kulig: Of course, we all know that what we eat is important.

Dr. Arnold: Diet and appropriate exercise can be very helpful in reducing your risk for heart disease. Maintaining an ideal body weight is important. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a low salt diet that is also low in fat and cholesterol. Following such an eating plan can help to reduce your blood pressure. It was also ranked the number one diet by US News and World Report. Limiting alcohol and not smoking will also lower your cardiovascular disease risk.

Meghan Kulig: Are there potential risk factors specific to women?

Dr. Arnold: Yes. In 2011 there was an update of the American Heart Association guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women. Collagen vascular diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and are much more common in women. Some pregnancy related complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are also considered to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Meghan Kulig: Are there differences in the way men and women experience heart attack symptoms?

Dr. Arnold: While chest pain and pressure remain the most common heart attack symptoms for men and women, women are somewhat more likely to have other symptoms. These can include arm, jaw, or shoulder pain, fatigue, breaking out in a cold sweat, shortness of breath, sudden dizziness, or vomiting. Interestingly, it has been reported that women state they would be more likely to call 9-1-1 if someone else was having a heart attack than if they were having symptoms themselves. Early treatment can mean the difference between life and death, so if you are experiencing such symptoms call 9-1-1 for emergency medical care. Women often assume the caregiving role for others, but it is important that they take care of themselves too.