It's American Heart Month: Know How To Fight The Leading Killer Of U.S. Women

Heart disease is oftentimes thought of as a problem that primarily plaques men. Yet more and more women are being diagnosed with with the health problem every year. 

As February marks American Heart Month, it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms related to heart health in women and how to stop premature deaths.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States-killing 292,188 women in 2009-that's 1 in every 4 female deaths. And despite increasing awareness, only about 54 percent of women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer, according to the Cetners for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some may experience no symptoms, while others could notice angina--a dull, heavy to sharp chest pain in the neck/jaw/throat or upper abdomen or back. Symptoms like these can be triggered by mental stress or they may come at any time.

Women may also be at a higher risk of cardiovascular health issues when they begin menopause. Now, the American Heart Association has also recommended against hormone replacement therapy for women entering peri- and post-menopausal periods.

Though this therapy was popular during the 1960s and 1970s, new research, including the Women's Health Initiative and the HERS trial, show that estrogen replacement has no cardio-protective effect and may even be more harmful in some cases. 

A healthy diet and exercise can help keep your heart in shape. Talk to your doctor about any other necessary precautions for keeping things going strong.

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