Women and men alike can reduce their chances of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease by addressing their risk factors head on

GARY M. WILLIAMS/GETTY IMAGES
Next
CONTROL BLOOD PRESSURE
Hypertension makes the heart work harder to move blood through the body, and more than half of women over 45 have it—putting them at higher risk of both heart disease and stroke. If you get short of breath when you exert yourself, don't ignore it; tell your doctor. And if you have high blood pressure, treat it with proper diet, exercise and medication if needed.
FROM THE APRIL 28, 2003 ISSUE OF TIME MAGAZINE; POSTED SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 2003

GET THE MAGAZINE — TRY 4 ISSUES FREE!