After menopause, women have the same risk of heart disease as men. Diabetes poses a greater risk factor for women than men irrespective of menopausal status with a 3 to 7 times higher incidence of CHD. Elevated LDL,orbadcholesterol,(>70 if you already have CHD or DM) portends a worse prognosis for women than men. The HDL or good cholesterol should be greater than 40. Also know your homocysteine and c-reactive protein levels.