Women, in general, have higher cholesterol levels than men because estrogen increases HDL levels in the blood. HDL cholesterol prevents plaque buildup in the arteries by carrying cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is excreted from the body. A study reported in the American Journal of Cardiology found that HDL levels were the most important predictor of cardiovascular health. That is, the higher a woman's HDL level, the less likely she is to have a cardiovascular event such as heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol levels can be controlled by diet, exercise, and, in serious cases, medication.
Obesity is a strong predictor for heart disease, especially among women.
The distribution of fat is also an important predictor. Women whose fat accumulates around the waist are at greater risk than those whose fat accumulates around the hips. In the United States, about one third of women are classified as obese. A controlled plan of diet and exercise prescribed by a physician is the best way to safely and effectively lower body weight. Diabetes is more common in women than men and poses a greater risk because it cancels the protective effects of estrogen.