(ORLANDO, Florida) – A woman dies of heart disease every minute in the U.S., yet most women have no idea the American Heart Association recommends healthy heart screenings begin at age 20 to prevent developing serious heart problems. A new national survey by Orlando Health revealed only eight percent of women thought heart screenings should start in their 20’s, and 60 percent thought they weren’t recommended until after age 30.
“Atherosclerosis, cholesterol plaque in heart arteries, begins developing in our teens and early twenties,” said Dr. Maria Carolina Demori, a cardiologist who leads the Women’s Cardiac Center at Orlando Health Heart Institute. “If we don’t take action and start preventing the progression of that process, then it’s going to get worse. Eventually it will manifest as a heart attack, a stroke, or heart failure.”
Demori says women should regularly see their doctor by age 20 to monitor their blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and glucose levels. She also recommends having a conversation with their doctor to see if an EKG or other heart test is needed to uncover any existing heart condition.
“Women need to be educated and understand how they can prevent heart disease,” said Demori. “They are often busy taking care of their children, spouses and parents, but women need to find time for themselves. It is extremely important to know your risk factors and stay healthy so that you can be present for the ones you love.”
