Cardiovascular Health After 50: A Practical Guide for Women Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women — more than all cancers combined — yet it’s often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Risk rises sharply after menopause, when the protective effect of estrogen fades. The good news: most of what drives that risk is in your hands. Inside you’ll find: • Know Your Numbers — the seven key markers to ask your doctor about, with female-specific targets, plus the reproductive history (preeclampsia, PCOS, early menopause) that affects your risk. • Move Most Days — exercise targets that protect your heart and your bones at the same time. • Eat for Your Arteries (and Your Bones) — Mediterranean and DASH eating made simple, with calcium-rich foods built in. • Menopause, Sleep, Stress, and Smoking — the overlooked factors that quietly raise heart risk during this transition. • The Medication Conversation — and how to advocate for yourself when symptoms are dismissed. • Warning Signs (They’re Different in Women) — the subtler heart attack symptoms women often experience and how to speak up in the ER. • A 30-Day Starter Plan — week-by-week steps to build momentum without burning out. Designed to be read in under 15 minutes and used for years. Educational only — not a substitute for medical advice.