In the news...

FDA Issues Public Health Advisory on Vioxx as its Manufacturer Voluntarily Withdraws the Product

Studies Strengthen Kidney and Heart Disease Link

WHI Study Finds No Heart Disease Benefit, Increased Stroke Risk With Estrogen Alone

NHLBI Study Finds Implanted Defibrillator Reduces Heart Failure Deaths

Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? The good news is that you can take simple, daily steps to ensure your heart and blood vessels are healthy and strong. You can:

• Quit smoking. Smokers are two to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than nonsmokers. Smoking also boosts the risk of stroke.
• Control your blood pressure. Cut down on salt and alcohol. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and low fat or nonfat dairy products that supply plenty of potassium, magnesium, fiber, and calcium.
• Control your blood cholesterol. Get it checked at least once every five years.
• Control your weight. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Avoid fad diets and diet pills.
• If you have diabetes, monitor and control your blood sugar levels.
• Reduce your stress level.
• Exercise. Just 30 minutes most days of the week helps!
• Talk with your health care provider about your heart disease risks and your family's heart disease history.
• Talk with your health care provider about whether birth control pills are right for you. If you have had blood clots, a heart attack, stroke, or another kind of heart disease, birth control pills may not be the best choice.
• If you are over 50, talk with your health care provider about aspirin therapy.
• If you have ever had a "mini stroke" or if you have risk factors for stroke, tell your health care provider.

Use these great NWHIC resources to learn more!
-- OR --
Call 1-800-994-9662
to ask our information specialists for more
information on Heart Disease.

Sister to Sister: Everyone Has a Heart Foundation - National Women's Heart Day

WomenHeart - The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease

Talking to Your Doctor About Heart Disease

• Angina
• Atherosclerosis
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Heart Attack
• Heart Healthy Eating
• High Blood Cholesterol
• High Blood Pressure
• Menopause
• Stroke
• Women Warning! It could be a Heart Attack 

2003 Heart Health Summary

• The Heart Truth - The Red Dress Project
• Healthy Heart Handbook for Women
• Depression Can Break Your Heart
• WiseWoman Program
• Salud para su Corazón
  (For the health of your heart)