Facts About Women and Heart Disease Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women each year, claiming more than 500,000 lives. (American Heart Association 2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update) In the United States, all cardiovascular diseases claim more women’s lives every year than the next seven causes of death combined – and almost twice as many as all forms of cancer. (American Heart Association 2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update) Every year since 1984, more women than men have died of cardiovascular disease. (American Heart Association 2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update) It is estimated that one in two women will die of heart disease or stroke, compared with one in 30 who will die of breast cancer. (American Heart Association 2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update) 38 percent of women compared with 25 percent of men will die within one year after having a heart attack. (American Heart Association 2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update) 83 percent of women qualify as being at risk for heart disease (indicating they have one or more risk factors), yet only 26 percent have actually been diagnosed or perceive themselves to be at risk. (VHA Inc. Proprietary Research, Clinical Advantage Outreach Initiatives: Women and Heart Disease conducted by Market Strategies Inc. Healthcare Research and Consulting) The death rate due to cardiovascular disease for African-American women is 26 percent higher than that of white women. (American Heart Association) Women with diabetes are four times more likely than men to develop heart disease. (American Heart Association) Smoking is the most prevalent and preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in women younger than 45. (American Heart Association) Fewer than three in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. (VHA Inc. Proprietary Research, Clinical Advantage Outreach Initiatives: Women and Heart Disease conducted by Market Strategies Inc. Healthcare Research and Consulting) Nearly 50 percent of women older than 45 have high blood pressure and an elevated total cholesterol level – both well-documented risk factors. (American Heart Association) The economic cost of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in 2002 is estimated at $329.2 billion. The true cost in human terms of suffering and lost lives is incalculable. (American Heart Association 2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update)