How common is heart disease in women?

Heart disease is the primary cause of death in the United States, accounting for 1 in 4 female deaths. The number of women and men succumbing to heart disease each year is equal. Surprisingly, two-thirds of women who passed away suddenly from heart disease had no prior symptoms. Approximately 6% of white women, 8% of African-American women, and 6% of Mexican American women are affected by coronary artery disease.