Other risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, are conditions you may be able to control. Having one risk factor raises your chance of having heart-related problems. The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop cardiovascular diseases--and the more concerned you should be about protecting your heart health.

Various studies show that physical inactivity is a risk factor for heart disease. Heart disease is almost twice as likely to develop in inactive people as in those who are more active. Excess body weight in women is linked with coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and death from heart-related causes. The more overweight you are, the higher your risk for heart disease. (see 10 Steps to a Healthier Life)

Diabetes (high blood sugar) is a serious disorder that raises the risk of coronary heart disease. The risk of death from heart disease is about three times higher in women with diabetes. Diabetic women also are more apt to have high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.