Women over 40 at greater risk of heart disease and stroke

(NC)—According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, a woman's risk for heart disease and stroke increases as she ages.Women may no longer have the added protection of high estrogen levels, and may develop other issues that increase the risk, such as high blood pressure or weight gain. Health experts recommend a minimum of three sessions of weight-bearing exercise plus 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (in minimum of 10-minute increments) each week to improve heart fitness and reduce waist measurements. Heart disease and stroke is a leading cause of death for women in Canada, and kills seven times more women than breast cancer. Nine in 10 Canadian women have at least one significant risk factor for heart disease or stroke. Many women are either unaware of the symptoms or simply ignore them. Women can assess their risk for heart disease and stroke by taking an online quiz at TheHeartTruth.ca/quiz

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