The statistics are alarming. One in two women will eventually die of heart disease or stroke, compared with one in 27 who will eventually die of breast cancer. Heart disease is considered to be the number one cause of death among American women while stroke is considered to be the third leading cause of death in Americans. Surprisingly, most women don't know that. Heart disease includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Strokes occur when there is a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel to the brain.
The brain does not receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs when the blood supply is cut off. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has identified stroke as the leading serious neurological disorder in the United States. To reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, you must change your lifestyle. Here are a few suggestions. Smoking is the biggest contributing factor for sudden cardiac death.