Many women live their day-to-day lives believing that they are at a lower risk for heart disease than men. Coronary heart disease is not just a man's disease, but a woman's as well. As a matter of fact, heart disease is the number one killer in women, and stroke is the number three killer. For women, several factors unique to females are risk factors for heart disease, including menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome and oral contraceptives. Women at higher risk, like those who have already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, would benefit from preventative therapy as well. Knowing the strategies to lower the risk of complications of heart disease is vital.

The following guidelines will ultimately help in the fight against heart disease in women, and are very important for women to know and understand:

• Stop smoking cigarettes and avoid secondhand tobacco smoke.
• Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
• Starta cardiac rehabilitation program if you've recentlybeenhospitalized or had a procedure for heart disease.
• Eat a heart-healthydiet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains,low-fat or nonfatdairy products, fish, legumes and sourcesof protein low insaturated fat (such as, poultry, lean meatsand plant sources).Limit intake of trans fatty acids such asthose found in hydrogenatedoils.
• To maintain a healthy weight, balance the calories youeat withthe amount you use up each day. To lose weight, youneed touse up more calories than you take in. If you need to,enrollin a formal weight-loss program.

"Every woman, regardless of age, should know her risk factors for heart disease and talk to her primary care physician about the steps she can take to prevent heart disease and choose a healthier lifestyle," said Mark Rollins, M.D., family practice physician, Kentucky Avenue Family Physicians. "Provide your physician with your health history and your family's health history. Also, heart disease signs and symptoms are something every woman needs to be aware of. Work with your physician to prepare a list of steps you can take to help prevent heart disease, and improve your overall health."