Heart disease is the no.1 killer of American women. 1 in every 3 women dies of heart disease. Nearly two-thirds of American women who die suddenly of a heart attack had no prior symptoms. Americans can lower their risk of heart disease by as much as 82% just by leading a healthy lifestyle. Metabolic syndrome, a combination of fat around your abdomen, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high triglycerides, has a greater impact on women than on men. Mental stress and depression affect women's hearts more than men's. Smoking is a greater risk factor for heart disease in women than in men. Low levels of estrogen after menopause pose a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in the smaller blood vessels.