Heart disease remains a top threat for women

February is Heart Health Month, and Feb. 3 is National Women Physicians Day. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, yet many don't realize their risk - or recognize the warning signs.

Cardiologist Dr. Anjali Gulati from Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose helps women understand what to watch for and when to act.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women. One in three women dies of cardiovascular disease. In the United States, 45% of women over the age of 20 live with some kind of cardiovascular disease.

The age range of affected women is getting younger due to the risk factors for coronary artery disease.

The symptoms show up as chest pain, tightness or discomfort, which are typical or classical angina. One-third of women can have atypical symptoms like upper body pain (in arms, back, shoulders), a feeling of unease manifesting as anxiety, light-headedness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, indigestion issues, or palpitations.

Women should talk to their doctor about heart health as early as their 20s.

To improve heart health now, Dr. Gulatti recommends controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, blood cholesterol, diet, weight loss, quit smoking, adequate sleep and exercise. This is primary prevention advice.

For more information, visit Good Samaritan's website.