Why Women Are at a Higher Risk for Heart Disease (and What to Do About It)
Heart disease isn’t just a man’s disease—it’s the leading cause of death for women. Yet, for years, the medical field has focused more on men’s heart health, leaving many women under diagnosed, under treated, and unaware of their personal risk.
It’s time to change that. Your heart health matters, and understanding the unique risks women face is the first step to protecting yourself.
The Hidden Truth: Why Women Are at Greater Risk
Many women don’t realize they’re at risk because heart disease looks different in women than in men. While men often experience the classic “chest-clutching” heart attack, women’s symptoms can be much more subtle—and often mistaken for anxiety, indigestion, or even exhaustion.
Women also face unique risk factors that men don’t. Hormones, pregnancy, and menopause all play a role in increasing cardiovascular risk, and yet, many doctors don’t routinely discuss these risks with their female patients.
Let’s look closer at the facts.
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Heart Disease in Women Symptoms
1. Women’s Heart Attack Symptoms Are Different—And Often Ignored
When you think of a heart attack, you probably picture a man clutching his chest in pain. But for women, symptoms can be much more subtle.
Common Heart Attack Symptoms in Women:
💞 Unexplained Fatigue – Feeling completely drained, even after a good night’s sleep? This could be your heart struggling to pump effectively.
💞 Shortness of Breath – If you’re gasping for air after simple tasks (like walking upstairs), this may be a warning sign.
💞 Jaw, Neck, Shoulder, or Back Pain – Women often experience pain in these areas instead of—or in addition to—chest pain.
💞 Nausea or Indigestion – Feeling like you have heartburn or an upset stomach? It might not be the food—it could be your heart.
💞 Dizziness or Lightheadedness – Feeling woozy or like you might faint? Your heart may not be pumping enough oxygen to the brain.
Many women ignore these symptoms, dismissing them as stress, anxiety, or exhaustion. Others report that even doctors have brushed off their concerns—which is why advocating for your own health is critical. [READ MY STORY HERE].
The Impact of Hormones on Heart Health
2. The Impact of Hormones on Heart Health
Estrogen: The Protective Effect (And What Happens When It Declines)
Estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible and strong, reducing plaque buildup and promoting good circulation. But after menopause, estrogen levels plummet—and with it, a woman’s natural heart protection.
How Menopause Increases Heart Disease Risk:
🔹 Higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels
🔹 Increased belly fat (a major risk factor for heart disease)
🔹 Greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (a huge contributor to heart disease)
🔹 Blood vessels become stiffer, making it harder for the heart to pump efficiently
This means that after menopause, a woman’s risk of heart disease goes up.
👉 What to do: Stay proactive! Regular checkups, heart-healthy nutrition, and an active lifestyle can help counteract these effects.
Pregnancy Complications
3. Pregnancy Complications That Raise Heart Disease Risk
Pregnancy is often seen as a completely separate health event, but the truth is, complications during pregnancy can predict future heart disease.
🚨 Women who experience the following pregnancy complications are at higher risk for heart disease later in life:
💞 Preeclampsia (High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy) – Doubles the risk of stroke and heart disease.
💞 Gestational Diabetes – Increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, which is closely linked to heart disease.
💞 Preterm Birth & Low Birth Weight – Can indicate underlying cardiovascular issues.
👉 What to do: If you’ve had any of these conditions, let your doctor know—it means you may need earlier and more frequent heart screenings.
4. Heart Disease Is Often Misdiagnosed in Women
One of the biggest reasons women’s heart disease is under diagnosed is because the traditional tests are designed for men.
🔹 Standard stress tests often fail to detect heart disease in women.
🔹 Women are less likely to be referred for additional heart tests, even when they show symptoms.
🔹 Doctors may attribute symptoms to anxiety, stress, or menopause, rather than a heart condition.
The result? Many women don’t get diagnosed until after they have a heart attack. This is why knowing the right tests to ask for is crucial.
A Few Tests to Ask For
5. Some Important Tests to Ask Your Doctor For
Your doctor may check your cholesterol and blood pressure, but that’s not enough. They may even do an EKG but, to get a full picture of your heart health, ask for these additional tests:
💞 High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Test – Detects hidden inflammation, a major heart disease risk factor.
💞 LipoproteinTest – A genetic marker that indicates higher heart attack risk, even if cholesterol is normal.
💞 Coronary Artery Calcium Scan – Checks for plaque buildup in arteries before symptoms appear.
💞 Advanced Lipid Panel – Measures dangerous small LDL particles that increase heart disease risk.
Final Thoughts: Your Heart Deserves Your Attention
Heart disease in women is under diagnosed, under-discussed, and misunderstood—but it doesn’t have to be that way.
✨ What you can do starting today:
✔ Learn to recognize the early signs of heart disease.
✔ Take charge of your health by asking for the right tests.
✔ Advocate for yourself—if something feels off, push for answers!
✔ Make small, daily changes to protect your heart for life.
💡 Your heart is your greatest asset—take care of it, and it will take care of you. 💡
📢 Join the ‘5 Days to a Happier, Healthier Heart’ Challenge!
You don’t have to tackle heart health alone. Join our 5-day experience, where you’ll get expert guidance, simple daily habits, and the support of a like-minded community—all designed to help you take charge of your heart health in a way that feels doable and empowering.
📥 Sign up now and take the first step toward a healthier heart! [click here] ❤️
