While heart disease accounts for nearly 1 in 5 deaths among women — and 60 million American women are living with some kind of heart disease — only about half of women recognize these conditions as the top threat to their health.
Amy Ahnert, MD, a cardiologist and Director of Atlantic Health System’s Women’s Heart Program, shares the facts about heart disease in women, signs and symptoms to watch out for, and what you can do to lower your risk.
Why is women’s heart disease on the rise?
Many factors, individually or together, contribute to increasing heart disease deaths among women, including rising rates of obesity, diabetes, poor nutrition, inactivity and mental health challenges.
There is also a persistent lack of awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, which can lead to delays in care.
“Some misconceptions can lead to this lack of awareness,” says Dr. Ahnert. “First, heart disease is not just a ‘men’s’ disease. Second, while women should not stop getting mammograms, heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined. Finally, heart disease doesn’t just impact older women and we’ve seen a rise in heart disease and cardiovascular death among younger women, age 35-54, as well.”
How does heart disease affect women?
Women can experience similar heart conditions to men, including valve problems, heart failure and blockages. However, particular diseases are more common in women and require different testing, treatment and management:
- Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A type of heart failure where the heart muscle becomes stiff rather than weak
- Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA): A type of heart attack where blockages occur in the microvasculature rather than large arteries
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD): A sudden tearing of the artery, often in the absence of traditional risk factors
Women may also experience different symptoms of heart disease compared to men.
“These symptoms can be subtle,” says Dr. Ahnert. “You have to be familiar with and trust your body. Have a high index of suspicion if something doesn’t feel right and seek care.”
Who is at risk for heart disease?
While most women know about traditional risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, other factors can increase your risk:
- Adverse conditions from pregnancy like pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes
- Autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Menopause
- Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety
- Some breast cancer treatments
- Possibly, other gynecologic conditions like endometriosis
How women can lower their risk of heart disease
Fortunately, it’s not all bad news when it comes to women and heart disease.
“The positive part is that nearly 80% of heart disease is preventable,” says Dr. Ahnert. “Taking a proactive role in your care can lower your risk.”
This proactive approach can include:
- Getting regular checkups
- Knowing your numbers, including blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood glucose and activity targets
- Making healthy choices, including diet and exercise
- Maintaining positive mental health
- Understanding your nontraditional risk factors
“You’re never too young or old to make changes to prevent heart disease,” says Dr. Ahnert. “And remember, it’s not selfish to take care of yourself.”
Be proactive about your health
Staying up to date on annual wellness exams and screenings is important. So too, are the occasional trips to specialists to address sleep issues or any other health concerns that are nagging you.
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