Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. As estrogen levels drop with menopause, women no longer have the same protection estrogen gives them from heart disease and high blood pressure. As a result, women's heart-disease risks parallel those of men.

However, men and women do not display the same signs of heart disease. Women often first experience angina - chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle does not get enough blood. Additional symptoms can include unexplained heartburn, extreme fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath and reoccurring pain.

If you haven't done so already, start protecting yourself today by making heart-healthy choices:

• Eat a variety of colorful fruit and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fatty fish, legumes and other lean protein sources.
• Choose foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.
• Be moderately physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, if not every day.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Your heart disease risk is higher if most of your body fat is around your abdomen, rather than your hips and thighs.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Choose and prepare foods with little salt and consume potassium-rich foods to hinder sodium's effect on your blood pressure.

For more advice on heart-healthy choices for women, consult a registered dietitian.