- Women with high cholesterol are at risk of developing heart disease. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can clog the arteries of the heart. Cholesterol can be managed by eating a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet and by getting regular exercise. In some cases medication may be needed to lower cholesterol levels. Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dl.
- Ideally, blood pressure should be 120/80. As the blood pressure increases beyond 120/80, excess pressure is placed on the heart arteries and veins. This excess pressure can lead to hardening of the arteries which in turn can constrict blood flow. Eventually, blood flow can become so constricted that a heart attack occurs. Since the heart must work harder to pump blood when the arteries are hardened, the heart can become weaker over time. A weakened heart may eventually fail completely.
- Inactivity can lead to poor health and obesity. Women who are obese are more likely to have heart problems because the excess weight puts stress on the heart. Also, obesity may lead to other conditions such a high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Women who are unusually stressed for much of the time may experience heart problems. Physical stress contributes to other conditions such as high blood pressure and even obesity if overeating occurs as the result of stress. Stress can be managed with regular exercise and relaxation techniques such as meditation.
- Heart disease can be caused by the prolonged use of birth control pills. Heart disease can also be caused by smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and the use of elicit drugs. The use of birth control pills in combination with smoking is particularly dangerous.
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