“The Heart Truth :  Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States.  It is also a leading cause of disability among women.

For African American women, the risk of heart disease is especially great.  Heart disease is more prevalent among African American women than White women—as are some of the factors that increase the risk of developing it, including high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, and diabetes.  African American women are also more likely to die of heart disease, and at younger ages, than White women.

But there’s good news too:  You have the power to protect your heart and lower your risk for heart disease.  This fact sheet will help you find out your personal risk for heart disease.  Then, it will show you how you can take steps to improve your heart health and lower your chances of developing heart disease.”

Click here to download the General Fact Sheet.

U.S. Department of Health Human Services
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
NIH Publication No. 13-5066
Originally printed September 2003
Revised July 2009, August 2013

Tags: and blood institute, health, heart disease, heart truth, lung, national heart, u.s. department of health human services