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Women's Heart Health


Heart disease is the number one killer of American women. Did you know that while one in 30 American women will die of cancer, one in 2.5 will die of heart disease? It can affect women of any age, at any time.

St. John's Heart and Vascular Institute is dedicated to Women's Heart Health, helping women in our community improve and maintain their heart health. We recognize that women have unique lifestyle and healthcare needs and we tailor our services and treatment specifically to each individual.

Heart Disease is Different for Women
In a move that will affect millions of American women, in 2011 the American Heart Association (AHA) changed its guidelines for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. The new guidelines reinforce what all women should know: preventing, diagnosing and treating heart disease is very different if you are a woman.

Women of all ages can be at risk for heart disease, particularly if they smoke or if they have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history. Additionally, women who have high job stress have a 40% increase in cardiovascular disease and an 88% increase in heart attack risk. Certain health conditions can greatly increase a woman's risk for heart disease – namely, conditions involving chronic inflammation like lupus and complications during pregnancy, like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Learn more about heart disease risk factors for women.

St. John's Heart and Vascular Institute team understands this and wants to empower you to achieve better heart health for yourself and your loved ones.  

Change Your Heart Disease Risk
There are things you can do in your everday life to reduce your risk for heart disease. Eating right, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress and exercising can all make a difference. Learn more about ways you can improve your heart health.

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This website and its health-related information and resources are NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians. Please consult your healthcare provider before undertaking any form of medical treatment, exercise program or dietary changes.

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