Heart disease is for middle-aged men to worry about isn’t it?

No. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Australian women. Women are four times more likely to die of it than breast cancer.

These are alarming figures but they don’t need to be. The Go Red for Women campaign is designed to raise awareness about women and heart disease, encourage women to understand the risks and make healthier choices to reduce their risk.

Heart disease is largely preventable. Start by learning what you need to know:

• The heart disease risk factors, including being overweight, being physically inactive, smoking and having a family history of heart disease
• The clinical heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Almost 30% of Australian women have one or more of these yet many don’t know they are risk factors that must be managed. These risk factors don’t usually have obvious symptoms. Find out more about them today
• The link between menopause and heart disease
• How taking oral contraceptives can affect the risk of developing heart disease
• Whether hormone replacement therapy should be used to treat heart disease in women

Visit the 'Your questions answered' section today to learn more about these important issues and questions. Don’t let a heart attack be your first sign of heart disease.

Download this powerpoint presentation for facts and stats on women and heart disease and the Heart Foundation’s response to this important issue.

For information or advice on heart disease and the risk factors, order a Women and Heart Disease brochure or contact the Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87 during business hours (local charges apply) or email the team of qualified health professionals with your query.