We've long known that middle-aged men are much more likely than women to have high blood pressure--about 36 percent of men versus 23 percent of women between the ages of 45 and 54. And, since high blood pressure can lead to stroke, it's not surprising that many more men die over from these "brain attacks”.

The explanation for this difference between the sexes has been lifestyle. Men are more likely to smoke, be overweight, drink alcohol, and avoid exercise--all risk factors for high blood pressure. Undoubtedly, poor health habits account for much of the difference.