Many people only associate heart attacks with men, but what they may not realize is how many women actually die of heart disease too.

Cardiologist Elizabeth Cosmai-Cintron explains that as women age they face a bigger risk of heart disease than some may think. "Usually women have protection from their hormones, so after age 60 and above they start to catch up to men so, the risk between men and women is almost equal so, hormone is a protective benefit that women have."

Health professionals know that the only way to decrease the number of women who die from heart related disease is through education and annual checkups. Barbara Rosen says, "If you could have a little warning of what was down the road ahead for you and it just took slight adjustments, I think you would do it."

Dr. Cintron says, "Nationality may increase risks in certain diseases like diabetes, hypertension. So if those risk factors do occur certainly that would increase your chance of having heart disease."

Dr. Cintron also says that other factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and lack of physical activity also increase your chances of developing heart disease. Just having one factor can more than double your risk but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. "Exercise is a very easy way of protecting yourself. Smoking is probably your worst enemy."

Often times many women who experience a heart attack are not aware of the warning signs, so knowing your risk is important.

Doctors say the symptoms of a heart attack are much more subtle in women than in men. Women do not always experience chest pain, but shortness of breath, anxiety, and sleep disturbance.