Another Reason Women Die Later Than Men: Arteries

Our arteries take a beating ... more than 100,000 new pulses every day. They eventually go bad.
In our 20s: Generally healthy, but tobacco smoke, cholesterol and sedentary lifestyle begins accumulating.
In our 30s and 40s: Plaque begins to accelerate in men. Delays in women occur until after menopause. Cholesterol, smoke, high blood pressure and high blood sugar are causing persistent injury to the inner linings.
In our 50s: Artery walls become stiffer, more fibrous, putting more pressure on heart pump. High blood pressure creates damage. Women are now 15 years behind in deterioration, but now accumulation of plaque begins to accelerate.
In our 60s and beyond: Left ineffectively checked (lifestyle), plaques can rupture or erode, leading to blood clots that can cause heart attacks.
Source: Wall Street Journal, June 1, 2010.