Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death among women, claiming more lives than the next 5 causes of death combined.

Risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease include:

• High blood pressure (HBP, hypertension)
• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Obesity and overweight
• Smoking
• Physical inactivity

Hypertension adds to the heart's workload. Over time this can be debilitating.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body has difficulty producing or responding to insulin.

High cholesterol and obesity are also risk factors for heart disease. When too much LDL (bad) cholesterol is in the bloodstream, it forms a plaque that hardens vital arteries. Obese individuals are more prone to high cholesterol and other risk factors such as HBP and diabetes. Visit www.mercksource.com to learn more about high cholesterol and diabetes.

If your life has been affected by heart disease, you are not alone. Read personal stories about women who have experienced heart disease first-hand.