Additional Risk Factors

Overweight. Women who are overweight are more likely to develop heart-related problems, even in the absence of other risk factors. In one study, almost 40% of heart disease cases were attributed to overweight.

According to research, the risk for some health problems begins to rise with a weight gain of more than 10 pounds after age 18. An 11-pound gain—just one pound's difference—may significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Overweight women are also more likely to develop high blood pressure and are more apt to have high blood cholesterol and diabetes—additional risk factors for heart disease.

Research also suggests that body shape as well as weight affects heart health. “Apple-shaped” individuals with extra fat at the waistline may have a higher risk than “pear-shaped” people with heavy hips and thighs. If your waist is as large or larger than your hips, you may have a higher risk for heart disease.

Diabetes. The risk of death from heart disease is doubled in women with diabetes. In fact, a woman with diabetes has as much as a seven-fold increased risk of developing heart disease, a much greater risk than that seen in men with diabetes. Researchers suspect it may be because the disease has a more harmful effect on women's blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

While there is no cure for diabetes, it can be controlled. And losing excess weight and boosting physical activity may actually help postpone or prevent the disease.

Stress. While research has not proven the theory that type A behavior (aggressiveness, a need to compete, and a constant concern about time) is linked to the development of heart disease, recent research has found that hostility and anger are risk factors. It has not been proven that this holds true specifically for women, however.

Some common ways of coping with stress, such as overeating and heavy drinking, are bad for the heart. On the other hand, stress-relieving activities such as exercise and relaxation techniques can lower heart disease risk.