Cardiovascular disease is the foremost cause of death for women in the United States. This category, encompassing heart disease and stroke, accounts for more fatalities among women each year than all forms of cancer combined. Despite this significant health impact, many women may not fully recognize their personal risk.
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term describing conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The most common forms are coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks, and cerebrovascular disease, which can result in strokes.
Coronary artery disease often develops from atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaque) build inside arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. A heart attack occurs when this blood flow is severely reduced or blocked, often by a blood clot. A stroke happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Other forms of CVD include heart failure, where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, and arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats.
Distinctive Factors in Women’s Heart Health
Heart disease in women often presents differently than in men, sometimes leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. While chest discomfort is common for both, women are more likely to experience subtle or atypical symptoms. These include pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or upper stomach, along with shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness, unusual fatigue, or indigestion. Some women describe a feeling of tightness, similar to an overly tight bra.
Women are also more prone to certain risk factors. Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, or stillbirth, significantly increase long-term cardiovascular risk. Preeclampsia alone can double the risk of future stroke or cardiac ischemia, while gestational diabetes substantially raises the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, a major heart disease risk factor.
Menopause also marks a period of increased cardiovascular risk for women. The natural decline in estrogen levels after menopause contributes to changes like increased blood pressure, higher cholesterol, and greater accumulation of abdominal fat. Women who experience menopause at an earlier age, before 40 or 45, may face a higher risk. Certain autoimmune conditions, more common in women, also elevate heart disease risk. Diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to chronic inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis.
Proactive Measures for Prevention
Taking proactive steps is important for women to reduce their cardiovascular disease risk. Lifestyle adjustments play a significant role. Adopting a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week), and maintaining a healthy weight are beneficial. Smoking cessation, stress management, and adequate sleep are important for cardiovascular well-being.
Regular health screenings are another key component of prevention. Women should undergo routine checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar to identify and manage risk factors early. For those with existing health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, consistent medical management is advised. Awareness of heart attack symptoms in women and seeking prompt medical attention can lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes.