"The good news is that small changes in lifestyles can bring big rewards and help us all to live life to its fullest," said Jane.

Each year, over eight million women worldwide die from heart disease or stroke, the highest cause of death amongst women. This is almost eighteen times higher than from breast cancer and six times more than HIV/AIDS related deaths. In developing countries, half of all deaths of women over 50 are due to heart disease and stroke.

There is no doubt that women with heart disease are under-treated. For example, a smaller number of women than men with chronic heart disease are treated with angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery. And according to new findings, nearly six in ten physicians believe men are more likely to die from stroke, whereas more women die from stroke (11 per cent) than men (8.5 per cent).

"It's time for every woman to take charge of her health and to stop underestimating the risks," said Professor Poole-Wilson, President, World Heart Federation. "This year's World Heart Day is dedicated to helping women understand their most serious health threat. More than half of female deaths and disability from heart disease and stroke could be cut through a combination of simple, cost effective national efforts and by women themselves to reduce major risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity," saidProfessor Poole-Wilson.