One out of every five women has some form of cardiovascular disease.

Correct.

It is a myth that heart disease is a man's disease. In fact, cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women.

Incorrect.

Unfortunately, this statistic is true. In fact, cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women. It is a myth that heart disease is a man's disease.

Coronary heart disease is the fifth most common cause of death for females in the United States.

Correct.

Coronary heart disease is the single most common cause of death for females in the United States. Actually, cardiovascular diseases currently claim the lives of more than a half a million females every year - more than the 16 causes of death combined. In 64 percent of women who died suddenly from cardiovascular disease, there were no previous symptoms of the disease.

Incorrect.

Coronary heart disease is the single most common cause of death for females in the United States. Actually, cardiovascular diseases currently claim the lives of more than a half a million females every year - more than the next 16 causes of death combined. In 64 percent of women who died suddenly from cardiovascular disease, there were no previous symptoms of the disease.

In the United States, cancer claims more lives of women than cardiovascular diseases.

Correct.

In the United States, cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of nearly 503,000 females annually, while all forms of cancer combine to kill about 258,000 females.

Incorrect.

In the United States, cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of nearly 503,000 females annually, while all forms of cancer combine to kill about 258,000 females.

Approximately 5 percent of females under 55 die of coronary heart disease.

Correct.

Although the numbers are alarming, nearly 18,900 females under age 65 die of coronary heart disease each year, with about 35 percent of these women under the age of 55.

Incorrect.

Actually, heart disease can strike at any age. In fact, about 18,900 females under age 65 die of coronary heart disease each year, with about 35 percent of these women under the age of 55.

More women die within a year following a heart attack than men.

Correct.

Surprisingly, 42 percent of women who have heart attacks die within a year, compared with 24 percent of men. Because women have heart attacks at older ages, they are more likely than men to die from them within a few weeks.

Incorrect.

Actually, 42 percent of women who have heart attacks die within a year, compared with 24 percent of men. Because women have heart attacks at older ages, they are more likely than men to die from them within a few weeks.

Death rates from cardiovascular disease are higher for African-American females than for Caucasian females.

Correct.

African-American women are at a higher risk of death from cardiovascular diseases than Caucasian women.

Incorrect.

African-American women are at a higher risk of death from cardiovascular diseases than Caucasian women.

You answered out of 6 questions correctly.

The statistics are alarming and the rates for women developing cardiovascular disease are on the rise. Consult your physician for more information and discuss with him/her the following as ways to reduce your risk:

• Examine those heart disease risk factors apply to you, and take steps to eliminate or reduce them.
• Become aware of conditions like hypertension or abnormal cholesterol levels, which may be "silent killers."
• Modify risk factors that are acquired (not inherited) through lifestyle changes. Consult your physician as the first step in starting right away to make these changes.
• Consult your physician soon to determine if you have risk factors that are genetic or inherited and cannot be changed, but can be managed medically and through lifestyle changes.