There are many similarities between men and women when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart; however, there are also several important differences. Women tend to develop heart issues later in life and experience different symptoms which can ultimately affect the type of care they receive. For both men and women, not smoking, engaging in regular exercise, and consuming a heart-healthy diet can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease.

The circulatory system is responsible for delivering nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, utilizing the heart and blood vessels. Blood travels to all cells of the body, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and other important substances while picking up carbon dioxide and other waste products.1 Arteries transport blood from the heart while veins carry blood back to the heart. Blood vessels branch into smaller and smaller vessels, the smallest of which are called capillaries.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and throughout the world. Consuming a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and optimizing metabolic health can significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.