However, estrogen replacement therapy has also been associated with an increased risk for certain kinds of cancers, especially breast cancer for women who have a family history. Before beginning estrogen replacement therapy, women should discuss the pros and cons with their physician by considering their personal risk factors for both heart disease and cancer. Women need to be aware of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the importance of making lifestyle changes that may reduce those risks. Factors such as race, increasing age, and a family history of heart disease cannot be modified. Other risk factors, however, can be modified or eliminated by making informed decisions about cardiovascular health.
Smoking is the single greatest risk factor for heart attack.
Although the overall number of adult smokers has decreased in this country during the past two decades, the number of teenaged girls who smoke has increased. Cigarette or tobacco smoking combined with oral contraceptive use has also shown an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. The good news, however, is that smokers can immediately reduce their risk of heart attack by quitting, regardless of how long or how much they have smoked. Pregnancy may trigger high blood pressure, especially during the third trimester, but pregnancy-induced hypertension generally disappears after childbirth. Women who have a history of hypertension especially black women and women who are overweight are also at risk.