7 things all women should know about their heart health

Heart disease remains the top killer of women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Despite this stark reality, many women remain unaware, often believing cancer, particularly breast cancer, poses the greater threat. This misconception stems partly from decades of heart health in women being understudied and overlooked by the medical community.

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Women’s heart health has long been overlooked and understudied.

This lack of focus has led to challenges in diagnosing heart conditions more common in women and a limited understanding of their causes, hindering prevention efforts. Furthermore, patients and even some doctors may dismiss symptoms because they don't always present as the classic crushing chest pain. Women's heart attack symptoms can manifest differently, requiring heightened awareness from both individuals and healthcare providers.

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doctors sometimes struggle to diagnose heart problems that are more common in women.

Beyond universal advice like healthy eating and exercise, women have specific risk factors to consider. Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Women experiencing menopause before age 45 are particularly vulnerable.

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many patients don’t know that heart attack symptoms can present differently in women, or what to look out for.

Menopause itself is a critical transition. As estrogen levels decline, women often see increases in blood pressure and cholesterol, and their arteries may become less elastic. This can be surprising for women who maintain healthy lifestyles. Doctors can help navigate these changes with strategies ranging from lifestyle adjustments to medication. It's important to remember that cardiovascular health is cumulative; choices made in younger decades significantly impact future risk.

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don’t necessarily think to tell their doctor that they had a pregnancy 20 years ago that was affected by preeclampsia, and a lot of doctors won’t ask.