by Judy Burnett

     When you hear the term "heart disease," you may think it is not your problem. After all, heart disease is something men need to worry about. Right?

     The fact of the matter is that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Thirty-eight percent of us will die within one year of having a heart attack. More women than men die from strokes. One in 14 women between the ages of 45 and 64, and one in seven women over age 65, have some form of heart disease. Cardiovascular disease claims about 500,000 women's lives a year.

     Those are sobering statistics, yet most women and men don't realize the threat

     heart disease and stroke present to women. Indianapolis Woman has created this special section to provide you valuable information about your risk factors, symptoms, treatments, medications and more. We hope you will read and learn. Please pay close attention to the personal heart disease survivor stories that two local women share with you. Take their stories to heart. They could save your life someday.

     Cardiovascular disease is real. It affects women just like you, but you have the power to prevent it. Educate yourself and your family. Take control of your own health. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and avoid behaviors that put you at risk. Take an active role zin your own health care. Discuss your risk factors with your physician. Don't be afraid to ask questions of health professionals. Know your numbers. Be an advocate for yourself and for other women.

     Don't wait until it is too late. Spread the word - heart disease is a woman's problem.

Article appears as published in the IW issue.