heart disease is the leading cause of death in women over 40 years old especially after menopause. once a woman reaches the age of 50 (about the age of natural menopause) the risk for heart disease increases dramatically. in young women who have undergone early or surgical menopause the risk for heart disease is also higher especially when combined with other risk factors such as: diabetes. smoking. high blood pressure. high blood cholesterol especially high ldl or "bad" cholesterol. obesity. lack of exercise. family history of heart disease.
how common is heart disease among women?