After sending the kids off to school, putting in a full day's work and tending to household chores, most women find there's precious little time to exercise, meditate or prepare luscious, heart-healthy meals.
So if you're one of those women and you think you're not at risk of heart disease, think again: One in three American women dies of heart disease, making it the top killer of women in the United States, the NHLBI reports.
Coronary heart disease, the most common form of the disease, can start early in life -- even in a woman's teen years -- and progresses over time.
From ages 40 to 60, a woman's risk of heart disease begins to rise, according to the NHLBI.
But there is plenty you can do to improve your heart health and dodge the serious consequences of heart disease.
The first step is to know whether you are at risk.
On Feb. 18, Sister to Sister: Everyone Has a Heart Foundation Inc. will host the fourth annual National Women's Heart Day, an opportunity for women to get free heart disease screenings and information on living a healthy lifestyle.
Heart-health screenings, including tests for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (or good cholesterol), blood glucose, blood pressure and body mass index will be offered at health fairs in 12 cities.
"This has to become a way of life, just like brushing your teeth in the morning," Alving said.
At the NHLBI, employees walk around with pedometers provided free of charge to motivate them to increase their level of physical activity.
The American Heart Association recommends eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and avoiding saturated fats to help reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.