Heart disease and stroke - two main cardiovascular disease - are the first and third causes of death for women in the U.S. Learn more about your heart and blood vessels, and what you can do to protect them and improve your health now and for years to come!

Steps you can take :

Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. Ask your health care provider for help.

Control your blood pressure. Cut down on sodium, salt, and alcohol.

Control your blood cholesterol. Get your cholesterol checked at least once every five years.

Control your weight. Avoid fad diets and diet pills.

Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.

If you have diabetes, monitor and control your blood sugar levels.

Talk with your health care provider about your heart disease risks and your family’s heart disease history.

If you are currently using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or hormone therapy (HT), ask your health care provider if they are safe for you.

Manage your heart disease, if you have it. Your health care provider can treat your heart disease with medicine to help prevent blood clots.

Eat Healthy. Include plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables in your diet. Eat foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and moderate in total fat, sugars and salt.

If you have ever had a “mini stroke”, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), tell your health care provider right away.