Men and women over sixty-five are more likely to die of heart disease than any other cause. Lower down the age-scale, women figure less than men-two men to one woman in the over fifties age-group and five men to one woman in the under fifties.Because men figure so prominently in the statistics, most research ahs been carried out on them - to the extent that a myth prevails that women don't suffer heart trouble.

Also, there is a shortage of information about women's symptoms. This is important because their symptoms are different to those of men. According to Dr Millicent Higgins of the Framingham Heart Disease Epidemiology Study, women's symptoms may be missed or misdiagnosed.

This can be catastrophic because although men are more suspectible to heart attacks, women are twice as likely to die as a result of them.

Women should be aware of pressure or pain in the chest. This may be intermittent over a period of time. Diabetics, who have trouble with their circulation anyway, are particularly at risk. Smokers aren't doing themselves any good, if you smother your potatoes in butter, I'll say goodbye now.

So, cut out all the fatty foods and eat less dairy produce. Use olive oil, which studies show to be beneficial to the heart. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables - they will save your heart and keep you slim. Ensure periods of complete relaxation and aim for de-stressing - by taking a daily in the bath or a monthly trip to the masseur, whatever suits you so long as you get off the roundabout some time.

According to Professor Morris, chairman of the Fitness and Health Advisory Group to the Sports and Health Education Councils, a brisk walk for half an hour daily could reduce your heart disease risk by half. Perhaps you should walk to work. Plus, do ten minutes general exercise in the privacy of your home - there's no need to go into mega-routines and you will be more likely to persevere if you don't get too ambitious.

All circulation-stimulating essentials oils are good for the heart. Alternatively, try the formula enclosed. Rub over the entire front of your torso in a clockwise direction:

Preventative Heart Care Formula

Geranium        14 drop
Hyssop            4 drops
Rosemary       8 drops
Peppermint     4 drops

For the massage oil: if to be used weekly these amounts  to 30mls of vegetable oil; or if to be used daily these amounts  to 100mls of vegetable oil.

Make a synergistic blend using the above  proportions and add 30 drops to your chosen bottle  of base oil. Also, add 4 drops  of the synergistic blend to your bath: and as you lie back, inhaling the delicious aroma, you'll agree that prevention is better than cure.

Reference: The fragrant Pharmacy/ Valerie Ann Wormwood