Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in American women. It is estimated that almost one in three women will die of heart disease or stroke.

African-American women and Hispanic women face the highest risk of death from heart disease and stroke of any racial or ethnic group.

Yet research shows that these women are often the least aware of key risk factors and common symptoms, and don't always get the medical attention they need.

WUSF is televising a series of informational spots in 2006 to help viewers obtain better health care for themselves and their loved ones.

HeartBeat kicked off in February in conjunction with National Heart Health month. The informational spots will air every week throughout the day throughout the year. Some will be wrapped around national programming on cardiac disease and other related health issues.