There is a clear and consistent association between lower social economic position and increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). This association is even stronger in women than men. In the Stockholm Female Coronary Risk study, compared with executives/professionals, women with un/semiskilled occupations had a four-fold increased risk for developing CHD. Using similar comparisons, a three-fold increased risk for a poor CHD prognosis was observed after a 5-year follow-up. Family stress was an important factor contribution to the socioeconomic differences in women's cardiovascular health. Both family- and work-related factors should be considered in strategies geared to reducing social inequalities in women's cardiovascular health.