While many believe cancer is the primary cause of death for women in the United States, this perception is inaccurate. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Recognizing this fact is a crucial first step toward protecting women’s health and promoting proactive measures against this widespread condition.
Heart Disease: The Leading Cause
Heart disease is a broad term encompassing various conditions affecting the structure and function of the heart or blood vessels. These often involve a buildup of fatty deposits, known as plaque, inside the arteries, which can narrow them and restrict blood flow. This process, called atherosclerosis, can lead to serious events like heart attacks or strokes and is the most common type of heart disease.
Globally, heart disease claims approximately 17.9 million lives annually, affecting both men and women. In the U.S., it accounts for one in every five deaths. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for 30% of deaths in women each year, more than double the deaths from all forms of cancer combined.
Understanding Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease can manifest differently in women compared to men, often leading to delayed diagnosis or misinterpretation of symptoms. While chest pain or discomfort remains common, women may experience more subtle or atypical signs. These include shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, or discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen. Such atypical symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis.
Several unique risk factors also contribute to heart disease in women. Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and gestational diabetes, significantly increase a woman’s risk of developing heart disease and stroke later in life. Preeclampsia nearly doubles the risk of a heart disease event in the decades following pregnancy. Gestational diabetes similarly elevates the risk for Type 2 diabetes, a major factor for heart disease.
Autoimmune conditions, more prevalent in women, also pose a heightened risk for cardiovascular disease. Women with common autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or systemic sclerosis may face a higher rate of death from heart disease and stroke compared to men with the same conditions. Chronic inflammation associated with these disorders can contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis. For instance, women with rheumatoid arthritis have triple the risk of dying from heart disease compared to men with the condition.
The transition through menopause also impacts women’s heart health. Before menopause, women generally have a lower risk of coronary heart disease, partly due to the protective effects of estrogen. After menopause, particularly as estrogen levels decline, the risk increases. This includes changes such as increased blood pressure, unfavorable lipid profiles (higher triglycerides, lower HDL cholesterol), and increased abdominal fat, contributing to a higher risk of heart disease. Women experiencing early menopause, before age 45, face an even greater risk of coronary heart disease and heart failure.
Prevention and Proactive Health
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is a fundamental step for women to reduce their risk of heart disease. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, while limiting unhealthy fats, sodium, and added sugars, supports cardiovascular health. Maintaining a healthy weight is similarly beneficial, as excess weight can increase blood pressure, cholesterol, and the risk of Type 2 diabetes, all of which strain the heart.
Regular physical activity is another measure, with guidelines recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Activities like brisk walking can significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Managing stress effectively and quitting smoking are also important, as smoking increases heart disease risk in women.
Regular medical check-ups monitor cardiovascular health. These appointments allow healthcare providers to check blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Discussing personal risk factors, including any history of pregnancy complications or autoimmune conditions, with a doctor helps tailor prevention strategies and ensures early detection of issues. Engaging with healthcare professionals can lead to timely interventions and better outcomes.