By age 65 the risk of heart attack is equal for men and women. The risk is increased if the woman smokes, takes oral contraceptives,or is diabetic. Obesity and lack of exercise add to the risk. Women make more office visits, but are given fewer additional tests. They have fewer procedures done, such as surgery.
Women receive fewer drugs than men do.
The health of women with coronary heart disease gets worse after a heart attack, while the health of men improves. Lose weight, stop smoking, exercise. Take estrogen replacement therapy. It makes arteries more flexible and raises HDL levels. Get your Cholesterol and Blood pressure checked regularly.