What You Should Know About Heart Disease in Women and How to Avoid It
- Timeless Youth
- Feb 10
- 5 min read
If you think entering your 50s is just about hot flashes, weight gain, and mood swings, think again. There’s another big player that deserves your attention: your heart.
Here’s a little plot twist most women don’t see coming: heart disease is the #1 cause of death for women. Yes, not cancer, not some rare disease, but heart disease. And yet, most of us are so busy dealing with sleep issues, brain fog, and an ever-changing waistline that we don’t even realize our heart health is shifting, too.
Hormones play a huge role in keeping our hearts strong. When estrogen starts dipping (hello, menopause!), the protective benefits it once gave our cardiovascular system start fading. That’s why women’s risk for heart disease jumps after menopause and why it’s so important to pay attention now, not later.
So, if you’re thinking, should I be worried about this?
Don’t panic. Let’s start with a few eye-opening stats that might make your head turn:
According to the CDC, over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and can affect women at any age.
A study done by the National Library of Medicine showed that CVD (cardiovascular disease) is the leading cause of premature death in Canadian women. Coronary artery disease, including myocardial infarction, followed by stroke, accounts for the majority of CVD-related deaths in Canadian women.
According to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS), about 2.4 million Canadians have heart disease. It is the second leading cause of death in Canada.
Only about half (56%) of US women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer.
The National Library of Medicine found that on average, women live longer than men with heart disease. At age 50, women can expect to live 7.9 years and men 6.7 years with heart disease.
Black women are nearly 60% more likely to have high blood pressure than White women.
I know these numbers might feel overwhelming, and you’re not alone. Most women don’t realize that heart disease is their biggest health risk. We hear so much about breast cancer and cervical cancer. Hearts rarely get the same attention.
But here’s the good news: understanding heart disease's signs, symptoms, and risk factors can empower you to take charge of your health. When you know what to look out for, you can take steps to protect your heart and get the right care when you need it.
So, let’s start by understanding the different types of heart disease and what they mean for you.
Types of heart disease.
The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which happens when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your heart and the rest of your body. Think of it like clogged pipes. When your arteries get too narrow, it becomes harder for blood to flow.
Another condition to be aware of is arrhythmia. This is when your heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. The most common type is called Atrial fibrillation, and if left untreated, it can increase the risk of stroke.
Heart failure: It sounds scary, but it doesn’t mean your heart stops working. It just means your heart isn’t pumping as strongly as it should, making it harder for your body to get the blood and oxygen it needs. While serious, it can often be managed with the right care
What Are The Symptoms?
Unfortunately, not all women have symptoms of heart disease. It is often caught in routine exams or after a stroke or heart attack. However, these are the common symptoms to be concerned about:
Angina usually felt as dull or heavy chest discomfort or ache
Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back
Nausea
Vomiting
Tiredness that won't go away or feels excessive
These symptoms may happen when you're resting or active.
What Puts Women at Risk for Heart Disease?
Your heart works hard for you every single day, but certain factors can make that job a lot tougher. One of the biggest risks?
High blood pressure. Nearly 59 million women in the U.S. have it, yet many don’t even know they do.
High blood pressure (also called hypertension) puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The tricky part? It often has no symptoms, so it can go unnoticed for years.
But high blood pressure isn’t the only thing that can put your heart at risk.
Other factors to watch out for include:
High cholesterol (especially LDL, the "bad" kind)
Smoking (which damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure)
Diabetes (which can weaken blood vessels over time)
Excess weight (especially around the belly, which increases heart strain)
An unhealthy diet (too much-processed food, sugar, and unhealthy fats)
Lack of physical activity (your heart is a muscle, so it needs exercise!)
Drinking too much alcohol (which can raise blood pressure and cholesterol)
Chronic stress and depression (which can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits)
Rethinking HRT: What the Research Really Says About Heart Health
Remember when everyone freaked out about hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and heart disease?
Back in 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study made headlines, saying HRT increased heart disease risk. But later, researchers realized that this wasn’t the full picture. When they looked closer, they found that women who started HRT early, before 60 or within 10 years of menopause, actually had a lower risk of heart disease.
Then, in 2016, the ELITE Trial supported this. It showed that HRT helps keep arteries healthy if started early.
So, the takeaway? HRT isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but if started early, it may actually help protect your heart, not harm it.
Take Care of Your Heart
The good news? Many of the risk factors are within your control. Taking care of your heart doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with small, mindful steps.
Know your blood pressure, get tested for diabetes and cholesterol, and don’t ignore your doctor’s advice. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Move your body regularly, eat well, and watch your alcohol intake.
And don’t forget about stress! It’s not just in your head; it affects your heart, too. Whether it’s deep breathing, a walk outside, or a quiet moment to yourself, find ways to manage it. Some topics get a lot of attention when you are in your 50s, like menopause and breast cancer, but let’s not overlook heart disease. Your heart works hard for you every day. Let’s give it the care it deserves.
Timeless Youth Empowerment™, led by Dr. Faruqi, supports women over 40 and 50 to take control of their health, vitality, and aging journey. We provide education in hormonal balance, anti-aging strategies, and symptom relief for menopause and midlife changes. We address symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and sleep issues, helping women regain energy, confidence, and a youthful glow by guiding women through midlife transitions with natural and medical solutions backed by science.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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