Factors that increase the risk of heart disease include cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, diabetes, obesity, emotional stress and having a family history of heart disease. Meena Sundaram, M.D., director of noninvasive testing, Beth Israel Deaconess Cardiology at Deaconess-Glover Hospital, says, "One risk can lead to another. For example, obesity or smoking often leads to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It's important to look at all of the risk factors combined, because the likelihood of developing heart disease increases with each additional risk factor."

Post-menopausal women also are at greater risk. Terrence Hack, M.D., chief of cardiology at Deaconess-Nashoba Hospital, says, "When a woman's body stops producing estrogen, her risk of coronary artery disease (which blocks arteries and can lead to conditions such as angina, heart attack, stroke and heart failure) skyrockets. Women tend to develop the disease about ten years after menopause."

Although most people associate chest pain and pain in the left arm with heart disease, Marion Hogan, M.D., clinical cardiologist at Mount Auburn Hospital, says, "Women need to know that these are not the only symptoms. Exercise intolerance, jaw pain and indigestion may also indicate a problem. As physicians and patients, we need to be sure all symptoms are assessed thoroughly." Heart-attack victims often describe a variety of symptoms including: a feeling of tightness or pressure that extends to the mid and right chest, neck and jaw; indigestion and nausea; feeling short-of-breath; sweating; and feeling faint.

CareGroup hospitals offer cardiac wellness programs and cardiac rehabilitation programs for individuals with heart disease and those at risk of developing heart disease. These programs include supervised exercise, nutrition counseling, stress management, education and peer support. They offer a well-rounded approach that gives a woman the specific skills she needs to change behaviors and become an active member of her care.

For more information about the resources available at CareGroup hospitals, call the CareGroup Care Connection at 888-389-CARE (2273) or visit the CareGroup Web site at www.caregroup.org.