In 1990, heart and blood vessel diseases killed over 1 million people. After menopause, heart attack rates in women rise rapidly. A woman's heart attack is likely to be more severe and she is twice as likely to die as a man soon after the attack. Someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 32 seconds. Of the current U.S. population, more than 1 in 4 suffer some form of heart disease.
Heart disease kills twice as many women as all types of cancer combined.
If you smoke, stop. Limit saturated fats, vegetable oils and salt in your meals. Reduce your intake of cholesterol. Identify and avoid undue stress. Get regular blood pressure checks.