Heart Disease in Women

Many people still think heart disease is mainly a man’s problem. In reality, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Women of all ages can develop heart disease, and the signs, risks and symptoms are not always the same as they are for men. 

Understanding how heart disease affects women can help you recognize risk factors early and take steps to protect your heart health. 

How common is heart disease in women? 

Heart disease affects millions of women across the U.S. It can develop at any stage of life, from young adulthood through pregnancy, menopause and beyond. 

Despite its impact, many women do not realize heart disease is their greatest health risk. This lack of awareness can delay prevention, diagnosis and treatment. 

Heart disease risk factors that affect women 

Some risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking, affect everyone. Others play a larger or different role in women’s heart health. 

Risk factors that are especially important for women include: 

• Menopause
  Lower estrogen levels after menopause can increase the risk of heart disease. 
• Pregnancy-related conditions
  Complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy can raise the risk of heart disease later in life. 
• Cancer treatments
  Some chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatments used for breast cancer and other cancers can affect heart health. 
• Stress and depression
  Emotional stress, anxiety and depression can have a greater impact on heart disease risk in women. 
• Diabetes
  Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease more in women than in men. 
• High blood pressure
  High blood pressure is common in women and often goes unnoticed without regular screening. 
• Smoking and vaping
  Tobacco use remains a major risk factor for heart disease in women. 

If any of these risk factors are part of your health history, it’s important to talk with a heart specialist about your personal risk. 

How heart disease risk changes throughout a woman’s life 

Heart disease risk in women is not the same at every age. Hormones, pregnancy, stress and aging all play a role. Understanding how risk evolves over time can help women take action earlier. 

Teens and young adults 

Heart disease can start developing earlier than many women realize. During these years, risk is often influenced by lifestyle and family history. 

Common considerations include: 

• Family history of heart disease 
• Smoking or vaping 
• Poor sleep, high stress or untreated anxiety or depression 
• Autoimmune conditions that affect women more often 

Even without symptoms, early habits can shape long-term heart health. 

Pregnancy and postpartum years 

Pregnancy places extra demands on the heart and blood vessels. Certain pregnancy-related conditions are now known to increase long-term heart disease risk. 

These include: 

• Preeclampsia 
• Gestational diabetes 
• Pregnancy-related high blood pressure 
• Preterm delivery 

Women who experience these conditions may benefit from earlier and more frequent heart health screening later in life. 

Midlife and perimenopause 

Heart disease risk often rises during midlife, even before menopause begins. 

Contributing factors may include: 

• Hormonal changes 
• Weight gain or changes in cholesterol levels 
• Increasing blood pressure 
• Chronic stress from work, caregiving or life transitions 

Symptoms of heart disease during this stage may be subtle and easy to overlook. 

Menopause and beyond 

After menopause, the risk of heart disease increases significantly. Lower estrogen levels affect blood vessels, cholesterol and how the body handles stress and inflammation. 

Additional factors may include: 

• Higher rates of high blood pressure 
• Diabetes or prediabetes 
• Reduced physical activity 
• Atypical heart attack symptoms that are easier to miss 

This is one of the most important times for routine heart screening and ongoing care. 

Why age-aware heart care matters 

Because heart disease risk looks different at each stage of life, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for women. Care that accounts for age, hormones, pregnancy history and life stressors leads to earlier detection and better outcomes. 

Heart attack symptoms: How women may differ 

Women often experience heart attack symptoms differently than men. These differences can delay care, which is why knowing the signs matters. 

Symptoms that may be more common in women include: 

• Chest discomfort, such as pressure, tightness or fullness 
• Pain in the neck, jaw, upper back, abdomen or one or both arms 
• Shortness of breath 
• Unusual fatigue or weakness 
• Nausea, vomiting or indigestion-like discomfort 
• Lightheadedness or dizziness 
• Cold sweats 

If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 right away. Getting care quickly can save your life. 

Learn more about heart attack symptoms and prevention. 

Women’s heart care at Banner Health 

At Banner Health, women’s heart care is designed around how heart disease truly affects women. 

Our approach includes: 

• Preventive screenings based on age, health history and life events 
• Advanced diagnostic testing tailored to women’s symptoms 
• Treatment plans that reflect unique risk factors and experiences 
• Education and support to help you take action early 

We support women through every stage of life, including pregnancy, menopause and beyond. 

Explore the Women’s Heart Center at Banner Health in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Why choose Banner Health for women’s heart care? 

• Cardiologists experienced in women’s heart health 
• Advanced diagnostic tools and imaging 
• Personalized care plans that fit your life 
• Preventive support and recovery guidance 

Your heart health matters. Banner Health is here to help you stay informed, supported and empowered. 

Make an appointment today.