London: Three out of four women are ignorant of the risks to heart health as they age, according to new research by food manufacturer Benecol.

The risk of heart health problems increases after the menopause but 78% of women are unaware of the danger.

More than two thirds of the women, aged between 25 and 65 years, did not know that heart disease is the main cause of death in women or that it can be caused by high levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol.

Nearly 50% did not realise that cholesterol levels rise after the menopause because of the fall in levels of the hormone oestrogen.

The survey carried out by Consumer Analysis for Benecol concluded that the majority of women are confused about the symptoms of heart disease and the risk factors which include high blood pressure, obesity and smoking.