Women’s Cardiology Health Roundup: What Every Woman Should Know

When we think about women’s health, heart conditions aren’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. Yet today, heart disease is the #1 killer of women—claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined.

While awareness has grown, many women still underestimate their risk, especially as it increases during key life stages like pregnancy, menopause, and aging.

• Heart disease accounts for 1 in 5 female deaths in the U.S.
• Over 60 million women are living with some form of heart disease.
• Only 44% of women recognize heart disease as their greatest health threat.

(American Heart Association)

Raising awareness is more important than ever. This article outlines what every woman should know about cardiovascular risk—how it changes over time, what warning signs to watch for, and how new research is transforming care.

What Makes Women's Heart Disease Different?

For years, heart disease has been treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. However, we now know that the way heart conditions develop, show symptoms, and respond to treatment can vary based on differences in the body—especially between women and men.

When these differences are overlooked, warning signs can be missed, delaying diagnosis or care. That’s why it’s so important to understand how heart disease may present differently in women:

• Symptoms can be more subtle. In some cardiac events, such as heart attacks, women may not experience the classic chest pain that’s often seen in men. Instead, they might feel dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, or pain in the jaw, neck, or back. Knowing these signs could help you act quickly when it matters most.
• Risk factors can vary. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are common risks for both men and women, but pregnancy-related conditions like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes add an additional layer of risk for women.
• Heart disease may strike later in life: Women tend to experience certain cardiac events, such as heart attacks, later in life than men—usually in their mid-70s. However, they’re more likely to face complications after a heart attack and could be at a higher risk of adverse outcomes compared to men.

Key Heart Risk Factors for Women

While heart disease is a concern for all women, there are certain risk factors and life stages that require extra attention.

• Pregnancy-Related Conditions: Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also reveal hidden risks for heart health. Conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes not only affect the pregnancy, but can also increase the risk of heart disease later in life. Women who’ve had these conditions are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues in the future.
• Post-Menopausal Women: After menopause, the risk of heart disease increases significantly. With the decline in estrogen levels, women’s hearts become more vulnerable to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. This makes it crucial to stay proactive about heart health and continue regular check-ups.
• Women with a Family History of Heart Disease: A family history of heart disease can increase a woman’s own risk. If close relatives have had heart problems, especially at a younger age, it’s important to monitor your heart health closely and make lifestyle changes that reduce risk.
• Women with High Blood Pressure or Diabetes: Both high blood pressure and diabetes are common risk factors for heart disease. Women with these conditions should work closely with their healthcare providers to manage them and reduce the strain on their hearts.

The Silent Risk That Follows Heart Disease

While heart disease is the most well-known cardiovascular risk for women, stroke is another major concern—often linked to the same underlying factors like high blood pressure, hormonal shifts, and aging.

• Stroke is the third-leading cause of death for women in the United States, and women are more likely to die from stroke than men (American Heart Association).
• Women who smoke, use birth control, or have migraines with aura are at a higher risk of stroke. These factors increase the likelihood of clotting, which can lead to a stroke.
• After menopause, the loss of estrogen increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which is why women over 55 are more vulnerable to cardiovascular events.

That’s why it’s crucial to manage risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes—especially as you age. Taking proactive steps can help reduce your risk of both stroke and heart disease.

Women-Led Research and Innovation

For decades, women have been underrepresented in heart research, leading to gaps in care and delayed diagnoses. Now, that's changing—thanks to new tools, smarter studies, and more diverse leadership in cardiology.

Breakthroughs, like sex-specific blood tests (e.g., high-sensitivity troponin thresholds) and AI-powered cardiac imaging, are helping improve the detection of heart issues in women. These tools take into account the unique ways that heart disease appears in female bodies—leading to more accurate diagnoses and more personalized care.

Organizations, like the Women’s Heart Alliance, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women, WomenHeart, and countless female researchers are reshaping how we think about women’s cardiovascular health.

Progress is happening—not just in labs, but in clinics, policies, and patient outcomes. It’s creating a future where every woman’s heart is heard.

Actionable Steps for Protecting Women’s Hearts

Heart disease doesn’t start overnight—and neither does prevention. Knowing what to focus on at each life stage can help you stay ahead and protect your heart long before symptoms appear.

• In your 20s: This is the time to build a strong foundation. Start learning your numbers—blood pressure, cholesterol, resting heart rate—and aim to create habits that support your heart: regular movement, nutritious meals, and stress management. It’s also a great time to learn your family history.
• In your 30s: Between work, family, and busy schedules, heart health can easily take a backseat. But this is when risks like high blood pressure or prediabetes can start to appear—especially if you've had pregnancy-related complications. Keep up with routine checkups, and watch for subtle signs of fatigue or shortness of breath.
• In your 40s: Cholesterol and blood pressure levels tend to rise in this decade. Hormonal shifts can also begin, quietly affecting your heart. This is a good time to re-evaluate your lifestyle, get a full heart screening, and start discussions with your doctor about long-term risk management.
• In your 50s and beyond: After menopause, heart disease risk increases more sharply. Estrogen levels drop, which can raise blood pressure and bad cholesterol while lowering good cholesterol. Continue regular screenings, manage chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, and stay active—physically and socially. Prevention is still powerful.

Your Heart Deserves Your Attention—Now and For The Long Run.

Women’s heart health requires attention, and unfortunately, women’s cardiovascular risks are often under-recognized. But with knowledge and proactive steps, you can protect your heart at every stage of life. Your heart’s health is in your hands.

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Disclosure

*This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team for guidance specific to your condition.*

References

1. Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, and others. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2023 update, a report from the American Heart Association. Published in Circulation, February 2023.

2. Mosca L, Barrett-Connor E, Wenger NK. Sex and gender differences in cardiovascular disease prevention. Published in Circulation, November 2011.

3. Appelman Y, van Rijn BB, Ten Haaf ME, and others. Sex differences in cardiovascular risk factors and disease prevention. Published in Atherosclerosis, January 2015.

4. Bushnell C, McCullough LD, Awad IA, and others. Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in women from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Published in Stroke, May 2014.

5. Maas AHEM, Rosano G, Cifkova R, and others. Cardiovascular health after menopause, clinical recommendations from the European Menopause and Andropause Society. Published in Maturitas, June 2016.