There are three main types of cardiovascular disease (CVD): stroke, coronary heart disease and heart failure. CVD, including coronary heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death in women. CVD can occur at any age. However, for most women, the risk of developing CVD increases significantly after menopause.
There is no one cause for CVD, but there are many factors that can increase your risk of developing CVD. We cannot do much about some risk factors such as age, gender or family history but risk factors that can be reduced through lifestyle include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes and depression.
Having regular health checks with your doctor throughout your life is therefore important for your health awareness. Managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, knowing the best types of food to eat, being active and managing depression and diabetes if you have them, are important for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
This section of the website is currently being reviewed. It will be updated in early 2024. Please visit our resources for more information on heart health.
This content has been reviewed by a group of medical subject matter experts, in accordance with Jean Hailes policy.
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