The red dress was chosen as the symbol for “The Heart Truth” because “Heart disease doesn’t care what you wear; it’s the No. 1 killer of women.” This campaign targets women between 40 and 60 years of age because this is the time when women’s risk of heart disease begins to increase.

But heart disease develops slowly and can start in the teenage years. Older women also need to pay attention since it is never too late to take measures to prevent or control risk factors for heart disease.

New research indicates heart disease in women is closely related to risk factors. More than 95 percent of deaths from heart disease are associated with at least one major risk factor.  And 80 percent to 90 percent of those who develop symptoms of heart disease have at least one major risk factor, while those without major risk factors are unlikely to develop heart disease.

What are the major risk factors? Risk factors that you cannot change are:

• Age. The older you get, the greater the risk; men after age 45 and women after age 55.
  

• Family history of early heart disease (father or brother diagnosed before age 55; mother or sister diagnosed before age 65).

Risk factors you can do something about include:

• High cholesterol.

• High blood pressure.

• Cigarette smoking.

• Diabetes.

• Being overweight.

• Lack of physical activity.

The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance of developing coronary heart disease.

What are signs and symptoms of heart disease? The most common symptoms are chest pain or chest discomfort, pain in one or both arms, pain in the left shoulder, neck, jaw or back, and shortness of breath. Other signs include nausea, light-headedness, or breaking out in a cold sweat.

While these symptoms are recognized as indications of heart problems, women may not have these symptoms. Sometimes a woman will complain of heartburn or other vague symptoms that are not associated with heart problems in men.

What can you do to prevent heart disease? It is important to take control of your own heart health. Studies have shown that women can lower their risk of heart disease by as much as 82 percent by healthy lifestyles. The most important actions are:

• Don’t smoke. Smokers have a coronary event at least 10 years sooner than non-smokers, regardless of other risk factors. Deaths drop by 36 percent among those who have stopped smoking.
  

• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Limiting salt and other forms of sodium as well as saturated fat and cholesterol are keys to prevention.
  

• Be physically active. Regular physical activity helps prevent and control heart disease and risk factors.
  

• Aim for a healthy weight. If you are overweight, try to lose no more than 1/2 to 2 pounds each week. Slow weight loss is healthier than a rapid loss.
  

• Reduce stress.

Remember, heart disease is a woman’s (and man’s) greatest threat to health. Women are so good at taking care of others. Take time to take care of yourself.