Women's Heart Disease Statistics

The annual rates per 1,000 population of new and recurrent episodes of angina in non-black women are:

• 14.1 percent for ages 65 to74
• 20.0 percent for ages 75 to 84
• 22.9 percent for ages 85 and older

For African-American women in these age groups rates are higher:

• 15.3 percent for ages 65 to 74
• 23.6 percent for ages 75 to 84
• 35.9 percent for ages 85 and older

How can women protect themselves? By getting regular physical exams that include screening for heart disease
seeking a second doctor’s opinion if symptoms persist.

Women tend to suffer heart attacks five to ten years later than men because their estrogen levels decrease over time and, as women become menopausal, they lose some protection against heart disease.