Understanding Heart Disease in Women: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention

Heart disease is often seen as a “man’s disease,” but the truth is, it’s the leading cause of death for women in the United States. In 2021 alone, heart disease claimed the lives of over 310,000 women – about 1 in every 5 female deaths. Despite this, only about half of U.S. women are aware that heart disease is their number one health threat.

At Carient Heart & Vascular, we’re committed to helping women recognize the risks, understand their symptoms, and take proactive steps to protect their heart health.

Why Women Should Be Concerned About Heart Disease

Over 60 million women (44%) in the U.S. live with some form of heart disease. While the risk increases with age, heart disease can affect women at any stage of life, including during their reproductive years. High blood pressure is one of the most significant risk factors, affecting nearly 58.9 million women in the United States (45.7%). Certain reproductive and pregnancy-related factors can also increase a woman's risk of heart disease, such as:

• Pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
• Having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Early menarche (before age 11) and/or early menopause (before age 40)
• Preterm, low birth weight, or high birth weight deliveries

In addition to reproductive health factors, many women face lifestyle and medical risks that contribute to heart disease, including:

• High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Physical inactivity
• Excess body weight or obesity
• Poor diet, especially one high in processed or salty foods
• Diabetes or insulin resistance
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress and depression

These risk factors are often interconnected, and many are preventable or manageable with the right care and lifestyle changes. That’s why understanding your personal risk and partnering with a provider who specializes in women’s heart health is so important.

Signs and Symptoms: What Makes Women Different

While chest pain is still the most well-known sign of a heart attack, women often experience other symptoms that may not immediately signal heart trouble. These include:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unusual fatigue
• Pain in the jaw, neck, back, or stomach
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Cold sweats
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Pain in one or both arms

These symptoms may come on gradually or even during rest or sleep. They may feel subtle but are just as serious.

Women are also more likely to have a type of heart disease that affects smaller blood vessels, which can make it harder to detect with standard tests. Conditions like coronary microvascular disease or non-obstructive coronary artery disease are more common in women and require specialized care to diagnose and manage.

Prevention: What You Can Do Today

The good news? Heart disease is often preventable. Here are key steps you can take to lower your risk:

• Keep tabs on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
• Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
• Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking, as both habits can increase your risk.
• Find healthy ways to manage stress. Chronic stress can affect your heart just as much as physical factors.
• Get regular checkups. Routine visits can help catch warning signs early.

When to See a Cardiologist

If you have risk factors or are experiencing symptoms—even if they seem mild—it’s worth speaking with a heart specialist. At Carient, our cardiologists understand the unique ways heart disease can show up in women. We use advanced diagnostics and personalized care to help you stay ahead of heart disease and live a full, healthy life.

Take charge of your heart health and schedule an appointment with a Carient provider today.