New York - Heart disease deaths in American women continued to decline in 2005, and for the first time, have declined six years consecutively, covering the years 2000-2005, according to newly analyzed data announced by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.

NHLBI experts analyzed preliminary data for 2005, the most recent year for which data are available. The analysis shows that women are living longer and healthier lives, and dying of heart disease at much later ages than in the past years.

"This is good progress," said First Lady Laura Bush, official national ambassador of the Heart Truth campaign. "But we still want more people to know the Heart Truth. Too many women, especially African American women, die of heart disease. More than 80 percent of middle-aged women have at least one risk factor and many of them don't know it."
"Considerable progress continues to be made in the fight against heart disease in women," said Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., director of NHLBI.

But serious challenges remain - one in four women dies from heart disease. Women of color have higher rates of some risk factors for heart disease and are more likely to die of the disease.

"Unfortunately, many women still do not take heart disease seriously and personally," said Dr. Nabel. "Millions of women still have one or more risk factors for heart disease, dramatically increasing their risk of developing heart disease. In fact, having just one risk factor increases a woman's chance of developing heart disease twofold."

The Heart Truth effort aims to spread the word that heart disease is largely preventable. The group organized a "wear red" day and fashion show recently to promote awareness of healthy choices. For example, just by leading a healthy lifestyle - such as following a heart healthy eating plan, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking - Americans can lower their risk by as much as 82 percent. Risk factors for heart disease include:

* age (55 or older for women);
* a family history of early heart disease;
* high blood pressure;
* high blood cholesterol;
* diabetes;
* smoking;
* being overweight or obese; and
* being physically inactive.

NHLBI's introduction of The Heart Truth's Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 sparked a national movement that has united partners to promote the common goal of a greater awareness of heart disease and better heart health for all women.

About The Heart Truth
The Heart Truth is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease sponsored by NHLBI, part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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