05/20/2008

Associated Press

Women who live in Missouri's two largest metropolitan areas rank low when it comes to heart health.

St. Louis is ranked 37th out of 38 U.S. metro areas in a study by the American Heart Association. Kansas City ranks 28th. The study zeroed in on the number of heart attacks and strokes, as well as the prevalence of risk factors such as obesity and high cholesterol.

St. Louis was cited for a high number of deaths among women due to heart attack, high rates of diabetes and hypertension, high stress and unhealthful eating. Cigarette smoking, high stress and unhealthful eating were cited in Kansas City women.

Doctors say a woman's cholesterol should be under 200, her blood pressure below 120/80 and a fasting blood sugar level under 100.

Minneapolis women had the best heart health, Nashville's the worst.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star: http://www.kansascity.com

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On the Net: American Heart Association's Go Red For Women: http://www.goredforwomen.org