Why heart health is so important for women

February is Heart Health Month

SAN ANTONIO – An estimated 44 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular diseases. That statistic is why Dr. Ildiko Agoston, from the University of Texas Health Science Center, is trying to make sure women understand the importance of taking care of themselves.

"We tend to think that breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women. However, it is actually heart disease," Agoston said.

Besides the common symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizzy spells, there can be other underlying signs a woman may be having a heart attack.

Some of those other indicators may be bad indigestion that doesn't go away or even a toothache.

"They actually find out they are having what we called angina or heart related chest pain that is radiating up into their jaw," Agoston said.

There are ways to avoid heart disease...

1. Eating healthy & portion control

2. Exercise

3. Learning about family history

As more awareness is available this month on heart disease, it is something that needs to be talked about all the time.

"We shouldn't just focus on this in February. We should be focusing on this every single day of the year," Agoston said.

This month KSAT is also raising awareness about heart health. On Feb. 23 we will be hosting a phone bank to answer your heart health question.


About the Author:

Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.