The World Heart Federation is committed to saving the lives of both men and women, and acknowledges that women's cardiovascular health is an under-recognized aspect of cardiovascular care worldwide. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the foremost health challenges for women, just as they are for men. Women are known to have a different risk profile compared with men, and this has implications for gender differences in risk definition, possible differences in intervention targets and risk modification. Women also have difficulties with access to care. The CVD and stroke issue among women has been too long ignored. This is why WHF develop international activities to raise public awareness.