Did You Know?
We understand that heart health is about more than procedures and technologies alone. It is about seeing our patients holistically and caring for their overall well-being.
Over 60 million women in the US are currently living with some form of heart disease
90% of women have at least one cardiac risk factor
Only 56% of women recognize heart disease as their biggest health threat
Women-Specific Risk Factors
Some risk factors for heart disease in women, like age, gender, and family history, are unavoidable, but many can be modified through a proactive approach. HER Heart aims to educate women on these risks so they can make informed choices.
While high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle are heart disease risk factors for all people, new and emerging research is shedding light on risk factors that are specific to women.
These include:
- Past Pregnancy Complications: Pregnancy puts extra stress on the heart, which can reveal or cause heart problems. Black and Native American women face higher risks of these complications.
- Menopause: After Menopause the risk of plaque buildup in arteries and cholesterol levels increase. Early menopause (before age 45) is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
- Breast Cancer Treatments: Some cancer treatments can increase the risk of coronary artery disease. Women with breast cancer or survivors should consult a cardiologist specializing in treatment-related heart issues.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Women are more prone to autoimmune diseases, which are linked to higher cardiovascular risk. To protect their heart health, those with autoimmune diseases should see a cardiologist with expertise in these conditions.
The Differences in Women’s and Men’s Heart Disease Symptoms
Women may also experience heart disease differently because their symptoms may be more subtle or less immediately recognizable as heart-related.
While the classic symptoms of heart attacks, such as chest pain and left arm pain, are widely recognized, many women may experience different, more subtle signs that can easily go unnoticed. These include:
- Fatigue or overwhelming exhaustion
- Nausea or indigestion
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
