Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States? Far too many women think of heart disease as a man's issue — but that couldn't be further from the truth.

In our new "You and Your Heart" program, we take a close look at cardiovascular disease (CVD) and help you understand its key symptoms and risk factors. A lack of knowledge can put you at increased danger of a heart-related event. Cardiologist Dr.

Nieca Goldberg shares important questions to ask your healthcare professional about CVD and offers steps you can take to lower your risk.

Deanna Linz, who had a heart attack and a stroke at just 39 years old, told HealthyWomen, "I was almost turned away at the ER and would have died if I had been sent home. Women should know and communicate their risk factors, and no woman should assume she's not at risk for cardiovascular disease."

Read on to learn more — and listen to Deanna's advice.

This resource was created with support from Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb and Novartis.

My Cardiovascular Disease Taught Me How to Live

My Wife Has Severe Heart Disease

Mi esposa tiene una enfermedad cardiaca severa

Clinically Speaking: Questions to Ask Your HCP About Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Disease Education Program

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a group of diseases that affects the heart or blood vessels. CVD is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Understanding of risk factors, signs, and symptoms for CVD among women is important for prevention efforts related to heart disease.

Most heart disease can be prevented especially when women know their risk. For more information, be sure to contact your healthcare provider and visit the links provided below.

HealthyWomen Resources

• What You Need to Know about Cholesterol
• Clinically Speaking: Questions to Ask Your HCP about Cardiovascular Disease
• Clinically Speaking: Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
• Heart Disease is the Number One Cause of Death for Women
• The Connection Between Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Women's Health
• My Wife has Severe Heart Disease
• My Cardiovascular Disease Taught Me How to Live

Additional Resources

• CDC Heart Disease
• American Heart Association
• CDC Women and Heart Disease
• Go Red for Women
• WomenHeart