Cardiovascular Health in Women: What You Need to Know

Why Heart Health Matters for Women

Heart disease is often thought of as a “man’s problem,” but it is the leading cause of death for women too. For example, in the U.S., over one-third of women’s deaths each year are due to heart disease, more than die from breast cancer. Despite this, many women underestimate their risk.

The risk of heart disease increases as we get older, especially after menopause. Hormonal changes (like falling oestrogen) mean women’s risk catches up with men’s over time. But heart problems can start much earlier (Adach et al., 2022). High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other risk factors can build up over decades, so it is wise to start looking after your heart in your 20s and 30s.

Risk Factors for Women

Many of the main risk factors for heart disease are the same for women and men, but some affect women more, and some are unique to women. Common factors include:

• High blood pressure: Often without symptoms, high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder and significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• High cholesterol: High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can build up in arteries and trigger heart attacks. After menopause, women often experience a sharper rise in cholesterol levels.
• Smoking: Tobacco is especially dangerous for women’s hearts and greatly increases cardiovascular risk.
• Diabetes: Women with diabetes face a disproportionately higher risk of heart disease compared to men. Diabetes also increases the likelihood of having a “silent” heart attack, one with few or no symptoms.
• Overweight and inactivity: Being overweight or sedentary can elevate blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk. Regular exercise—even something as simple as a brisk daily walk, offers strong heart protection, particularly for women.
• Stress and mood: Long-term stress, anxiety, or depression can damage the heart and make it harder to maintain healthy habits.
• Family history: Having a close relative (parent or sibling) who developed heart disease at an early age increases your own risk.

Certain health conditions unique to women can raise the risk of heart disease later in life. For example, complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), are linked to a higher likelihood of developing heart disease or diabetes in the future (Yang & Wu, 2022). Additionally, early menopause (before age 40) and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Typical Heart Check-Up

A routine heart check-up is quick and simple. Your doctor will check your blood pressure, review your medical and family history, and conduct a fasting blood test to measure cholesterol (including good/bad types and triglycerides). These results, combined with your medical condition (e.g., diabetes), lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, smoking, stress), and overall risk, guide the assessment. An ECG may be used to monitor heart activity, and further tests (like a stress test) might be recommended if needed.

Reducing Risk and Staying Healthy

There are many steps you can take to protect your heart.

• A healthy diet, such as rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and lean meats and low in salt, sugar, and saturated fats – supports good heart health. 
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol 
• Staying active and regular exercise – for example, 150 minutes of moderate activity each week – helps control weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Even simple activities like daily walking or cycling add up.
• Avoid stressful life 
• Managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Regular check-ups and keeping those conditions under control will reduce the risk as well

Staying On Top of Your Health

Women are encouraged to get regular heart check-ups, especially from age 40 or earlier if they have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease (Medline Plus, 2022). If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or unusual fatigue, seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and regular screenings can make a big difference to your heart health.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Women’s Heart Health

1. When should I get a heart check-up?

Women should consider a heart check-up from age 40 onwards, or earlier if they have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or a history of pregnancy complications.

2. How is a heart check-up done?

A heart check-up typically begins with a review of your medical history and risk factors, including lifestyle habits, family history, and any existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. The doctor will perform a physical examination to check your blood pressure, heart rate and weight. Blood tests are usually done to assess cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and other relevant markers. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be used to evaluate your heart’s electrical activity and detect irregularities. Depending on your risk level or symptoms, further tests like an echocardiogram or stress test might be recommended. The check-up usually ends with a discussion on lifestyle modifications to help protect your heart health.

3. Is heart disease preventable in women?

Yes, heart disease is largely preventable in women, especially when risk factors are identified and managed early. Healthy lifestyle choices like not smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can significantly lower your risk. Regular check-ups are also important, as conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes often develop without obvious symptoms.

4. What should I do if I have a family history of heart disease?

Start by informing your doctor about your family history, especially if a close relative (like a parent or sibling) had heart disease at an early age. Your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, along with tests like an ECG or stress test if needed.

Book an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals 

Looking after your heart health is one of the most important things you can do – and it is never too early to start. If you are feeling unusually tired, have chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or just have not had your heart checked in a while, it is a good idea to speak to a doctor.

To learn more about a heart check-up, contact your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals. Our team is here to support you with personalised advice and screening to help you stay on top of your heart health. You may also book an appointment on our website or download the MyHealth360 application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 

Reference

Adach, W., Ryczkowska, K., Janikowski, K., Banach, M., & Bielecka-Dąbrowa, A. (2022). Menopause and women’s cardiovascular health – is it really an obvious relationship? Archives of Medical Science, 19(2). https://doi.org/10.5114/aoms/157308

Medline Plus. (2022, April 30). Health screenings for women ages 40 to 64: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007467.htm

Yang, Y., & Wu, N. (2022). Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Preeclampsia: Correlation and Influencing Factors. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.831297