"Charlie's Angels" star Kate Jackson underwent cardiac surgery to correct a hole in her heart. Oscar winner Patty Duke lives with coronary heart disease. Comedic actress Phyllis Diller suffered a heart attack in 1999, and celebrated author Joyce Carol Oates lives with tachycardia, or rapid heartbeat.

Long thought of as a man's disease, heart disease is beginning to gain exposure from female celebrities. And what they're saying may surprise you – heart disease is a reality for women, too.

Heart disease affects more than 8 million women in the U.S., killing 267,000 each year, according to the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. It's the leading cause of death among women – many times deadlier than breast cancer. Being aware of the risks and taking steps toward better health is vital for women in battling this potential killer.

Be Heart Smart
Some factors of heart disease are uncontrollable – a family history of heart disease increases your risk, as does age (women's risk increases after age 55). The good news is that a number of other factors can be controlled by making smart choices on a daily basis.

Take action for better heart health now by following these tips.

• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check. If your numbers are high, a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise could help lower them. Contact your health care provider to assess your risk and determine an individualized course of action.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying excess weight puts strain on your heart and increases your risk for heart disease, even if you have no other risk factors.
• Know your risk for diabetes. Your chance of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood increases if you are overweight, physically inactive or have a family history of diabetes.
• Get regular physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-level activity on most (or all) days of the week. Three 10-minute periods will work, too.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and whole grains will do your body – and heart – good.
• Quit smoking. After kicking the habit for just one year, your risk for heart disease drops by more than half, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

You don't need to be a celebrity to raise awareness of heart disease. Start taking care of yourself now with a healthful lifestyle and regular screenings. And encourage those in your life – both men and women – to do the same.

Heart Attack: Know the Signs Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. Many people don't know they have heart disease until they have a heart attack. So it is important to recognize the warning signs and act quickly. Heart attack symptoms vary widely, from intense pain to mild discomfort, and can be different for women than men. The following symptoms could be an indication of a heart attack: Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest. Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body including the arms, neck, back, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath that can occur before the chest discomfort. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, exhaustion or dizziness. For both men and women, the most common symptom is chest pain. But women are more likely than men to experience other signs such as nausea, exhaustion or shoulder pain and not perceive it to be a heart attack. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to act quickly. Don’t wait more than five minutes – call 911.