It's always a good idea to check with your doctor as you begin a program to improve your current heart health and minimize your chances of future heart problems. However, there are certain steps that you can and should take as soon as possible if you are at risk for heart disease. As our age increases, so too does our risk of heart disease. More than 7 million American males alive today have a history of heart attack, angina pectoris, or both.
Heart disease is a serious risk for women, too.
Twice as many women die from heart disease each year as from all types of cancer combined, including breast cancer. For a variety of reasons, women are actually more likely to die or have serious complications from a heart attack. In addition to the heart disease risk factors that women share with men, such as high blood pressure and excessive stress, there are some risk factors that are particular to women. For example, a woman's risk of heart disease can be raised by birth control pills. Women are also at greater risk for heart disease after menopause or hysterectomy.