Women are business professionals, wives, mothers, and natural caregivers, which is why it comes as no surprise to most people that women are naturally susceptible to serious heart complications due to stress and neglected health. Here are four reasons women should think about their hearts, and why you should make pulmonary exams a part of your normal women’s health routine.

Heart Disease Is the #1 Killer of Women

Move over cancer and car accidents—heart disease is actually the number one killer of women in the United States, contributing to about one in every four female deaths. In fact, heart disease and subsequent cardiac arrest killed more than 289,000 women in the United States in 2013, which is the last year we have conclusive data on women’s health tied to heart problems. 

Heart Problems Can Be Easy to Ignore 

One of the reasons that heart disease is so deadly is because many of the early symptoms are easy to ignore. Although most people assume that chest pain and shortness of breath are the only symptoms, studies have shown that issues like indigestion, fatigue, and even throat pain can signal heart health problems.

Pregnancy Can Affect Heart Health

Hormonal and activity changes due to pregnancy can also increase a woman’s risk for developing serious cardiac issues. Additionally, since pregnancy can cause gestational diabetes in some women, and since diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease, women should have their heart health monitored carefully throughout their pregnancy.

Menopause Increases Cholesterol

Even women who aren’t expecting anytime soon can be at a higher risk for heart health problems, since menopause can worsen your cholesterol. In fact, after menopause, women tend to have higher cholesterol levels than men do, which increases their chance of cardiac failure tied to the smaller blood vessels.

Are you concerned about your heart health? Moogerfeld Internal Medicine in Statesboro, GA, can help with everything from EKGs and Holder Monitoring to diabetic care, dermatology, and pulmonary functioning tests. Whether you have a family history of heart problems or you are concerned about new symptoms, this team of experts can help you to live your best life. For more information about their services and scheduling an appointment, explore their website or call (912) 681-7111.