Many people don't realize that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S. Ninety percent of women have at least one risk factor for heart disease, and many have several.

Our Women with Heart program works to raise awareness among women of their risks with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes, and helping women live healthier lives.

Know the risks

• High blood pressure
• High LDL cholesterol
• Smoking/tobacco use
• Family history of heart disease
• Preeclampsia during pregnancy
• Age 40 or older
• Menopause
• Diabetes or pre-diabetes
• Overweight/obese
• Lack of exercise
• Excessive alcohol use

Know the symptoms

Women may experience the classic "clutching the chest" pain of heart attack, but often their signs and symptoms are more subtle, including:

• Extreme fatigue without explanation
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in "unusual areas" such as the jaw
• Nausea, stomach discomfort, sweating
• A vague sense that something isn't right
• Pain between the shoulder blades and down the arms
• Dizziness
• Any symptoms that appear on exertion that go away with rest

Take action

• Talk to your primary care provider about your risk for heart disease or heart attack
• Establish care with a cardiologist who can be your guide star, motivator and champion
• Make sensible changes that, over time, will reduce your risk