Heart Disease Is the Leading Cause of Death in Women …So Why Aren’t We Talking About It?
When most people think about heart disease, they often picture an older man clutching his chest with severe chest pain.
The reality is different.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet many women underestimate their risk or don’t recognize that heart disease can affect them too.
Heart Disease Doesn’t Just Happen Overnight
Heart disease develops gradually over many years. The encouraging news is that many of the factors influencing heart disease are modifiable, meaning the choices you make today can have a meaningful impact on your future health.
Some of the most important risk factors include:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes or insulin resistance
Smoking
Physical inactivity
Excess body weight
Poor sleep
Chronic stress
Family history of cardiovascular disease
Many of these risk factors don’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why preventive care is so important.
Women’s Symptoms May Be Different
While chest pain remains the most common symptom of a heart attack in both women and men, women may also experience additional symptoms such as:
Shortness of breath
Unusual fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Pain in the jaw, neck, back, or shoulder
Lightheadedness
These symptoms should never be ignored, especially if they occur suddenly or are accompanied by chest discomfort. If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.
Menopause and Heart Health
Many women are surprised to learn that cardiovascular risk begins to increase during the menopause transition.
As estrogen levels decline, women often experience changes that can affect heart health, including increases in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, changes in body fat distribution, reduced insulin sensitivity, and a greater tendency to develop high blood pressure. Sleep disturbances, weight gain around the midsection, and decreased physical activity during this stage of life can also contribute to cardiovascular risk.
While menopause itself isn’t a disease, it serves as an important reminder that midlife is an ideal time to reassess your overall health. Understanding your risk factors and focusing on healthy lifestyle habits can have a meaningful impact on your long-term cardiovascular health.
Prevention Starts Before Symptoms
Many people assume they only need to think about their heart after developing high blood pressure or high cholesterol. In reality, prevention begins long before symptoms appear.
A preventive evaluation often includes reviewing your:
Blood pressure
Cholesterol
Blood sugar
Kidney and liver function
Lifestyle habits
Family history
These pieces of information help identify risk factors early and guide personalized recommendations to support long-term cardiovascular health.
Looking Beyond Standard Screening
Routine preventive care provides valuable information about cardiovascular risk. In some situations, additional testing - such as lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], inflammatory markers, or other laboratory studies - may be appropriate based on a person’s medical history, symptoms, or family history.
These tests are not appropriate for everyone, which is why an individualized evaluation is so important. Rather than ordering the same tests for every patient, the goal is to choose the right evaluation for you - based on your medical history, symptoms, family history, and individual risk factors.
Protecting Your Heart Starts Today
You don’t have to wait until you have symptoms to take care of your heart.
Simple habits practiced consistently can make a meaningful difference:
Stay physically active and include strength training.
Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods.
Prioritize quality sleep.
Don’t smoke.
Manage stress in healthy ways.
Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Keep up with recommended preventive visits and screenings.
Small, consistent choices made today can support your heart for years to come.
At Feeling Alive Health, I believe prevention is one of the most powerful forms of medicine. I start by listening to your story, understanding your personal risk factors, and creating a personalized plan that supports your long-term health not just treating disease after it develops.
Taking care of your heart isn’t about fear. It’s about giving yourself the best opportunity to enjoy a long, healthy, and active life.
Feeling Alive Health | Helping you feel alive again. 🌿
This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace personalized medical advice.
If you’re concerned about your heart health or cardiovascular risk, I’d be happy to help. At Feeling Alive Health, I take the time to understand your symptoms, review your personal and family history, evaluate the appropriate laboratory testing when indicated, and create a personalized plan based on your health goals.
