Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Coronary artery disease becomes increasingly common in men over age 40 and in women after menopause. Ignoring warning signs of heart disease can be fatal. Heart attacks can occur without warning, but often there are symptoms of heart disease years before the attack. Some common warning signs are chest pain with exertion or activity, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and feet, leg pain with walking, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your health care provider.