Younger Women at Risk

 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing almost 700,000 Americans each year; approximately 500,000 of those deaths are attributed to coronary heart disease.  These numbers are not new, however, a study conducted by the CDC and the University of Liverpool state that more women under 45 are dying of heart disease due to plaque-filled arteries.  Experts are not sure why the rate is increasing, but some professionals believe that the obesity epidemic may be the primary cause.  Other factors such as

high cholesterol and genetics are also considered major contributors to heart disease.  Earl Ford, a study co-author, feels that heart disease in women is under diagnosed.