Heart disease is a frightening ailment that claims the lives of 500,000 women each year. In fact, it is the number one killer of women worldwide. It kills 65,000 more women than men, and, too often, the first sign of trouble in about 63 percent of sufferers is death. The disease takes many forms, of which the most common are:

• Stroke Blood clot affects the brain
• Atherosclerosis Plaque buildup narrows and thickens the arteries
• Arteriosclerosis Arteries harden

Most women are not cognizant of of threat that the disease poses, ignoring the risks and going on with their lives. Building awareness is a must, since prevention is the most potent defense against heart disorders.

• risk factors • take care of yourself • heart health organizations •