WORCESTER, Mass. - Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women and the American Heart Association is working to make sure women know how to keep themselves healthy and prevent the disease as best they can.

The association said addressing heart health at every life stage can improve a woman’s quality of life and overall health.

Dr. Brigid Carlson of UMass Memorial Medical Center said while people may be aware of traditional risk factors, like smoking, diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure, some may not know about ones specific to women, like pregnancy-related complications.

"Women who have gestational diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy, preeclampsia, eclampsia, all of that, raises the risk for later on development of cardiovascular disease” said Dr. Carlson. 

Dr. Carlson encourages everyone to exercise, it can be as simple as walking every day.

She also encourages people to eat healthy, and to not smoke.

Dr. Carlson said these changes can make a big difference when it comes to heart health.