Five Heart Disease Facts Every Woman Should Know

For decades, cardiovascular research largely centered on men. Women were underrepresented in clinical trials, and their symptoms were often viewed as “atypical” - or worse, insignificant. Only in recent years has research begun to seriously examine how heart disease affects women differently.

Those differences matter. Understanding them can be lifesaving.

Five Facts Every Woman Should Know About Heart Disease

1️⃣ Heart Disease Is the #1 Cause of Death in Women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women worldwide, including in the United States. This holds true across all racial and ethnic groups.

2️⃣ Menopause Significantly Increases Cardiovascular Risk

Estrogen plays a protective role in vascular function, lipid metabolism, and endothelial health. As estrogen declines during menopause, cardiovascular risk rises sharply.

Research shows that postmenopausal women have approximately double the risk of cardiovascular events compared to premenopausal women of the same age. Additionally, vasomotor symptoms - such as hot flashes and night sweats - are not merely quality-of-life issues; they are associated with higher rates of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

3️⃣ Women Have Sex-Specific Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Certain conditions unique to women are now recognized as independent risk factors for future heart disease, including:

• Gestational diabetes

• Preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Endometriosis

A history of any of these conditions should trigger earlier and more proactive cardiovascular monitoring. Pregnancy, in particular, functions as a “stress test” for the heart - what shows up there matters decades later.

4️⃣ Women’s Heart Symptoms Are More Likely to Be Dismissed

Women presenting with cardiac symptoms are twice as likely as men to be told their symptoms are due to anxiety, stress, or emotional causes. This delay in diagnosis leads to delayed treatment - and worse outcomes.

If something feels off, persistence is not overreaction. Self-advocacy is a critical component of heart health for women.

5️⃣ Heart Attacks Often Present Differently in Women

While chest pain remains the most common heart attack symptom, women are more likely to experience additional or alternative signs, including:

• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, shoulder, arm, or back

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Indigestion or heartburn-like symptoms

• Unusual or extreme fatigue

These symptoms are frequently subtle and easy to dismiss - by patients and clinicians alike. Recognizing them early can be lifesaving.

February Is Heart Health Month—Take It Seriously

Heart disease is not a “man’s problem,” and it is not an inevitable part of aging. It is largely preventable when risks are identified early and addressed comprehensively.

Schedule the check-up.
Know your numbers.
Understand your personal risk factors - especially those unique to women.

Your heart supports every role you play. It deserves proactive, informed care. ❤️

Are you ready to take the next step? I can help! As a board-certified Integrative & Functional Medicine physician and Certified Menopause Specialist, I can help you “think outside of the box and dig deeper with a variety of laboratory testing to help uncover the root causes of your symptoms, and create a plan personalized for you that goes beyond the prescription pad to incorporate diet/lifestyle change, nutritional supplements, holistic therapies, health coaching and more! Contact us to get started!