Heart Disease in Women: An Overlooked Threat

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and around the world, yet it remains one of the most underrecognized health threats facing women today. While many people associate heart disease primarily with men, research shows that women are equally vulnerable and often face unique challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Why Heart Disease in Women Is Different

Although the risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol,

diabetes, smoking, and obesity, affect both men and women, the way heart disease presents in women can be different. Women are more likely to experience subtle or “atypical” symptoms of a heart attack, including:

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea or vomiting

• Back, neck, or jaw pain

• Unusual fatigue

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Because these signs are often mistaken for less serious conditions, women may delay seeking medical help, which can increase the risk of severe complications or death.

Risk Factors Specific to Women

Certain conditions and life stages raise women’s risk of heart disease:

• Hormonal changes: The decline in estrogen after menopause can contribute to arterial

stiffness and plaque buildup.

• Pregnancy-related complications: High blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes increase long-term cardiovascular risk.

• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, more common in women, are linked to higher heart disease risk.

• Mental health factors: Depression and chronic stress, which are more frequently diagnosed in women, can negatively affect heart health.

Prevention and Lifestyle Choices

The good news is that many cases of heart disease are preventable. Women can take steps to protect their heart health by:

• Eating a balanced diet: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and

healthy fats.

• Exercising regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each

week.

• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

• Managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or counseling

• Scheduling regular checkups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar

levels

Importance of Awareness and Advocacy

One of the biggest barriers to progress is lack of awareness. According to the American Heart Association, many women still underestimate their risk for heart disease. Campaigns such as Go Red for Women have played a crucial role in spreading awareness, but more work is needed in educating communities, training healthcare providers to recognize women-specific symptoms, and funding gender-focused cardiovascular research.

Beyond awareness, there is a significant gap in studies and medical research specifically

addressing women’s heart health. Historically, clinical trials have underrepresented women,

meaning that many treatments and preventive measures are based on data from male patients. This lack of gender-specific data can lead to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and unequal healthcare outcomes. Advocating for more inclusive research, equitable healthcare practices, and community education is essential to closing this gap and ensuring women receive the care they need.

Prioritizing Women’s Heart Health

Heart disease in women is a critical public health issue that requires greater awareness,

prevention, and early intervention. By recognizing the unique ways it affects women and

prioritizing heart-healthy lifestyles, we can reduce the impact of this deadly disease. Every

woman should know the signs, take proactive steps for prevention, and advocate for her heart health. Heart disease is not just a man’s problem; it’s everyone’s concern.