- the hidden risks

More American women die of heart disease than of any other cause. In fact, more than one in three women dies of heart disease.

But women may not understand the danger.

"Marin County women are very concerned about breast cancer, and cancer in general, and this is appropriate," said Larkspur cardiologist Margaret Baer, MD.

"At the same time I encourage women to look at the health risks of heart disease. Statistically, nearly twice as many women die of cardiovascular disease than all forms of cancer. Moreover, there are specific actions women can take to reduce their risk of having a heart attack."

Even if a woman survives a heart attack, she may have to live with disability and a significantly decreased quality of life. Such simple tasks like climbing stairs become harder.

Unfortunately, only about a third of all women know that heart disease is the leading cause of death, regardless of a woman's race or ethnicity.

As a result, "Women don't always take their risk of heart disease seriously - or personally," said Dr. Baer. "Women often fail to make the connection between risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and their own chance of developing heart disease."

Heart disease is a grave threat in the female population, but many women underestimate its seriousness.