Most people have heard that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US. Cardiovascular disease comes in many forms, any of which may lead to a heart attack or stroke. What you may not know is that men and women may have different heart attack risk factors and warning signs.

If you're a woman, heeding the subtle warnings can make a significant difference.

What Can Cause a Heart Attack

Your heart is a constantly running pump and needs a constant source of oxygen and fuel. The oxygen is picked up in the blood and delivered to the heart muscle through blood vessels called arteries. Blockages or damages to these coronary arteries slow or block the flow of blood to the hard working heart muscle. In a short period of time, the lack of blood flow causes leads to heart muscle damage. If the oxygen is restored quickly, long-term damage may be prevented. Continued lack of oxygen can cause significant damage to the heart, which can lead to disability or even death.

The most common cause of a heart attack is atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease (CAD). These conditions are caused when fatty deposits, called plaque, build up on the walls of the arteries. This build-up causes a narrowing of the arteries that restricts the blood flow. This plaque can also cause a tear or rupture in the artery, which leads to the formation of a blood clot. The blood clot can cause a sudden blockage in the blood flow in the artery.

Other times, a spasm of the artery can contribute to a heart attack.

How Men and Women Differ

Changes You Can Make to Prevent a Heart Attack

To help reduce your chances of a heart attack, take these steps to modify your lifestyle:

• If you smoke, quit—Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs. There are also nicotine replacement products to help you kick the habit.
• Exercise regularly:
  • Aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week, about 30 minutes on most days.
  • The activity should be moderate intensity, like walking or swimming. You could also do 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise, such as running or participating in an exercise class.
  • Do strength training twice a week
  • Remember to talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine
• Eat healthier:
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and high- fiber foods
  • Try to eat fish twice a week
  • Avoid foods that are high in trans fat, saturated fat, sodium, cholesterol, and sugar
• Maintain a healthy weight—If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about ways you can lose weight and keep it off. 2 main strategies for reaching your goal include reducing the number of calories that you consume and exercising. If you have a hard time, talk with a dietitian to help with meal planning.

In addition to lifestyle changes, you need to monitor and take care of other health conditions:

• Stay active in any cardiac rehab program designed for you if you have a heart attack, stroke, or heart surgery. The program will help you recover and may lower your risk of having another event.
• Control any health conditions you have by taking all medications as prescribed, and by following the lifestyle changes listed above.
• Take steps to reduce stress. Yoga and meditation are just 2 methods that can help you relax.
• Go to any recommended doctor's appointments.
• Talk with your doctor about taking aspirin every day.

Change is not always easy, so start slowly. The more risk factors you control, the better chance you have to ward off a heart attack. Talk with your doctor about the best course of action for you.

Take the time to learn the signs of a heart attack, and don't be afraid to call for emergency medical services.