Heart disease isn’t just a men’s issue—it’s the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. But here’s the catch: cardiovascular disease in women often looks and feels different than it does in men, making it easier to miss or misdiagnose. Understanding these gender differences in heart health can help women take proactive steps to protect their hearts.
How Women’s Heart Health Risks Differ from Men’s
Christopher Angus, MD, a cardiologist at Intermountain Health specializing in women's cardiovascular disease, points out that heart disease presents differently in women.
“Women are more likely to have symptoms with different conditions and have different symptoms than men,” he explains. “One major distinction is that pregnancy can unmask underlying heart conditions, highlighting risks that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
Additionally, women have historically been less aggressively treated for heart disease prevention compared to men. This means they may not receive the same level of early intervention and management, putting them at greater risk for complications later in life.
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Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
The classic image of a heart attack—a man clutching his chest in sudden pain—doesn’t always apply to women. In fact, women’s symptoms can be much more subtle. Instead of intense chest pain, they may experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Unusual fatigue
- Pain in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Dr. Angus emphasizes the importance of paying attention to changes in daily activities. “If you start to notice that you aren't able to walk as far as you used to 3 or 6 months ago, that might be a sign that your heart is not working as well as it should.”
Key Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Women face some unique heart health risks, including:
- Pregnancy-related complications: Conditions like preeclampsia and gestational hypertension can increase the risk of developing heart disease later in life.
- Heart rhythm disorders: Women are more susceptible to conditions like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and inappropriate sinus tachycardia, which can cause palpitations and fatigue.
- Menopause: The drop in estrogen levels post-menopause can contribute to higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing heart disease risk.
Heart Disease Prevention: Steps Women Can Take
The good news? Women can take control of their heart health with some key lifestyle changes:
- Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week—300 minutes for even greater benefits. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be treadmill running. “Walking at a brisk pace or doing a weightlifting circuit can be just as effective,” says Dr. Angus.
- Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Diet plays a major role in heart disease prevention. “Going full vegan is probably the best diet,” Dr. Angus notes. “But if that's not possible, cutting out red meat, pork, and high-fat dairy is a reasonable strategy.”
- Know Your Numbers: Keep an eye on blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, be sure to get checked annually for hypertension.
- Listen to Your Body: If something feels off—whether it’s unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, or palpitations—don’t ignore it. Early detection can make all the difference.
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Advancements in Women’s Heart Health
Recent research has shed light on how heart disease develops in women. Studies have found links between hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and future heart disease, reinforcing the importance of regular screenings. Another emerging discovery is the connection between calcified blood vessels seen on a mammogram and coronary artery disease. Dr. Angus advises that women with these findings should consider additional cardiac screening.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health
Understanding the unique ways heart disease affects women is the first step toward better prevention and care. By staying active, eating well, and keeping up with screenings, women can take control of their cardiovascular health and reduce their risk of heart disease. If you notice changes in your health, trust your instincts—your heart will thank you for it.