Most women believe that cancer is the biggest threat to their health, but it's actually cardiovascular disease.

Men have more heart attacks and strokes than women do, but more women die from cardiovascular disease. In fact, heart attacks and stroke have been killing more women than men every year since 1984. "Statistics like this are really a wake up call for all women and we really have to start paying more attention to our heart health."

Cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth Cintron says women on average find out they have cardiovascular disease at an older age then men. "Usually when they're diagnosed with coronary artery disease they tend to have other diseases as well, which makes them a little higher risk then their male counterparts."

Dr. Cintron also says that many women don't have your typical symptoms of heart disease. "Women may just present with shortness of breath or just not feeling well, and a lot of times they just don't present right away because they have other things to do in the house that may keep them from wanting to seek medical attention."

Finally Dr. Cintron tells us that unhealthy lifestyle choices increase your risk for heart disease and so does lack of awareness. Women need to realize they're at risk and need to be motivated to make healthy changes in their lifestyles. "They need to stay up to date for prevention of heart disease, meaning, their blood pressure control, maintaining a good cholesterol profile, maintaining an active lifestyle, with exercise."

A crucial step in determining your risk is to see your doctor for a thorough checkup. Your physician can be an important partner in helping you set and reach goals for a healthier heart.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for American women age 35 and older.