In 2008, more Australian women than men died of heart disease. And four times more women die of heart disease than of breast cancer.

It's a common misconception that heart disease affects mainly men. While it's true that the rate of the disease is higher in men at all ages, the National Heart Foundation of Australia reports that 39% of women die from heart disease (including stroke and heart failure), compared with 34% of men.

Moreover, about 40% of heart attacks in women are fatal, and many occur without prior warning.

Stroke

Older women are more at risk of stroke than men, and these events can be totally disabling or fatal. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2008, 61% of stroke deaths occurred in women.

Why is heart disease less recognised in women?

• Women tend to develop symptoms of heart disease at a much later stage of the illness than men.
• Their symptoms are often more vague or ‘non-specific‘.
• Some diagnostic tests for heart disease are less accurate in women than in men.
• Women are less likely to seek help quickly.
• Some health professionals are less likely to check.

How can women reduce their risk?

Women need to understand that they are at risk from hypertension and diabetes, and that these disorders are largely preventable.

• Stick to an active lifestyle throughout life – preferably beginning in the pre-menopausal years with regular exercise (at least 30 minutes, 3–5 times a week).
• Follow a low-fat diet.
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.

Prevention involves early recognition of particular cardiovascular risk factors as they occur in each – with medication where these factors can't be controlled by lifestyle changes.

Learn more about risk factors for women

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Information in this section provided by Dr Melissa Doohan, cardiologist, Royal North Shore Hospital, and Robyn Gallagher, Associate Professor, Chronic and Complex Care, University of Technology, Sydney