Women Must Be Proactive to Protect Their Heart Health
Author: Dr. Claire Leegard
A staggering statistic from the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women says that 1 in 3 women will die from cardiovascular disease. It could be our mothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Heart disease doesn’t wait, and it doesn’t discriminate.
The good news is that cases can be prevented with knowledge, healthy habits, and understanding your personal risk. From pregnancy and menopause to daily stress, women face unique challenges that affect heart health. Therefore, learning to protect both mind and body can save lives, because losing even one woman to heart disease is one too many.
“Despite heart disease being the leading cause of death for women, most are not aware of their risk of heart disease,” said Sadiya S. Khan, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, American Heart Association volunteer and Magerstadt professor of cardiovascular epidemiology, and an associate professor of cardiology and preventive medicine at Northwestern School of Medicine in Chicago.
Considering February is American Heart Month and the statistics about females and cardiovascular disease are troubling, women must be proactive to protect their heart health by making smart lifestyle choices.
What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a broad term used to describe several conditions that affect how the heart functions. It includes serious events such as a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked by a clot or plaque buildup. Another common form is coronary artery disease, a condition caused by plaque accumulating inside the arteries and restricting healthy blood flow.
While many people assume heart disease primarily affects men, the reality is that women are just as likely to develop heart disease. Understanding the risks and recognizing the warning signs can help families take proactive steps toward protecting the heart health of their loved ones.
Heart Disease Research and the FDA
Women’s heart health continues to be a priority for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since 1994, the FDA’s Office of Women’s Health (OWH) has supported research focused specifically on heart disease in women.
This important work has led to a deeper understanding of how heart disease affects women differently from men, including how certain medications, treatments, and medical devices may work differently in women’s bodies. These ongoing research efforts help improve prevention strategies, treatment options, and outcomes for women living with heart disease, empowering families to make more informed decisions about their loved one’s heart health.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease can develop for a variety of reasons, and for many women, risk factors may be influenced by both family history and lifestyle choices. Understanding these risks is an important step toward prevention and early intervention.
Some of the most common risk factors for heart disease in women include:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Menopause
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- A family history of premature heart disease
Because several of these factors can be managed through healthy habits, regular medical care, and lifestyle changes, early awareness is key. Families who stay informed can better support their loved ones in protecting their heart health and overall well-being.
Signs of Heart Disease
Heart disease is often called a “silent” condition because it may not cause noticeable symptoms until a serious event — such as a heart attack — occurs. That’s why recognizing the warning signs is so important.
For women, heart attack symptoms can sometimes differ from those commonly experienced by men. While chest pain is still common, women may experience more subtle or unexpected symptoms.
Possible warning signs include:
- A heavy ache or pressure in the chest or pain in the back between the shoulder blades
- Sharp pain in the upper body, including the arms, neck, or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Nausea or feeling sick to the stomach
- Unusual or unexplained fatigue
- Dizziness or light-headedness
If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider promptly for medical advice. If symptoms are severe, sudden, or feel life-threatening, call 9-1-1 immediately. Quick action can save a life.
Taking Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
Reducing your risk of heart disease starts with understanding your personal risk factors. These may include your age, race or ethnicity, family history, and any existing health conditions. Being informed empowers you to make thoughtful decisions about your heart health.
It’s also important to talk openly with your healthcare provider about your current medications, overall health, and any concerns you may have. Regular checkups can help identify potential issues early and ensure your treatment plan is working effectively.
Finally, managing existing health conditions plays a critical role in protecting your heart. For example, uncontrolled high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart disease. By staying consistent with prescribed treatments, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, and monitoring your health closely, you can take meaningful steps toward a stronger, healthier heart.
Ask Your Healthcare Provider Before Taking Aspirin
If you’re considering taking aspirin to help protect your heart, it’s important to speak with your doctor first. Aspirin therapy is not appropriate for everyone, and for some individuals, it may increase the risk of bleeding or other complications. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether aspirin is safe and beneficial based on your personal health history and risk factors.
You can also learn more about aspirin use and heart health through resources such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Heart Health fact sheet, which provides helpful, easy-to-understand information for patients and families.
Build Habits That Support a Healthy Heart
Making heart-healthy choices each day can have a lasting impact on your overall well-being. Strive to maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
When shopping, use the FDA’s Nutrition Facts Label as a helpful guide to compare products and make informed decisions that support heart health. Paying attention to sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats can make a meaningful difference over time.
If you currently smoke, quitting is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your heart. The FDA offers educational resources, including booklets about medications that may help you quit smoking successfully. Small, consistent changes can improve heart health.
Taking Steps Toward Better Heart Health
There are many simple yet meaningful ways to start making heart-healthy decisions today. Small lifestyle changes, such as eating balanced meals, staying active, managing stress, and keeping up with routine medical care, can have a lasting impact over time.
It’s also important to understand your personal risk factors and stay informed about your overall health. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make proactive choices that support your heart.
By taking even a few intentional steps each day, you can move toward a stronger, healthier heart and improved well-being for the years ahead.
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