Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. It claims more lives than all cancers combined, yet fewer than half of women are aware of their risk. In this video, Dr. Linda Ireland emphasizes that prevention starts with awareness: knowing your family history, getting screened for silent conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, and paying attention to subtle symptoms like unexplained breathlessness or discomfort during moderate activity. Women should also recognize that pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes or hypertension, as well as hormonal shifts during menopause, carry lasting cardiovascular implications that make regular screenings and healthy lifestyle habits essential throughout every stage of life.