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What impact does heart disease have on women's health?
More than 500,000 women die annually in the U.S. of heart attack or stroke, making cardiovascular disease the main cause of death in women. Heart attack is more likely to cause death in women than in men. Postmenopausal women are at greatest risk (as much as double the risk of younger women or men) of heart attack (National Conference of State Legislators at www.ncsl.org/programs/health/Forum/womenshealth.htm).
Cholesterol levels, which increase more rapidly in women over 50 from diet or other factors including smoking, increase the risk of heart disease. Importantly, the risk of heart attack decreases 24 hours after smoking is stopped[GB1] (www.4women.gov/Quitsmoking). For heart health, cholesterol levels should be maintained within healthy ranges by diet, exercise, and/or medication.
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