Certain risk factors increase the chance of developing heart disease and stroke. As the number of risk factors increases, the more likely the chance of developing cardiovascular disease. Women who smoke while using oral contraceptives have an even higher risk of heart attacks. There is no safe way to smoke. Although low tar and low nicotine cigarettes may reduce lung cancer risk somewhat, they do not lessen the risks of heart diseases and other smoking related diseases.
Smoking also increases the risk of stroke.
Today, about one-fifth of American women have blood cholesterol levels high enough to pose a serious risk for coronary heart disease. Cholesterol levels tend to rise sharply beginning at about age 40 years and continue to increase until about age 60 years. As a woman's blood cholesterol level increases, so does her heart disease risk. High Blood Pressure High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is another major risk factor for heart disease and the most important risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure is called the silent killer because most people who have it do not feel sick.