Experts issue new heart disease guidelines for women
By Jenifer Goodwin
HealthDay Reporter
Preventing heart attacks and strokes is very similar in women and men, with a few small but important differences, according to new guidelines from the American Heart Association.
Each year, 55,000 more U.S. women than men suffer a stroke, while men are more likely to have heart attacks.
One strong risk factor for stroke is atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm that boosts women's risk of stroke by fourfold to fivefold. To prevent stroke, women should make sure they have consulted with their doctor and are taking the right medications to control atrial fibrillation, according to the guidelines.
