Are You at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease?

Here's What Every Woman Needs to Know

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, responsible for 1 in 3 deaths. Despite this alarming statistic, many women are unaware of the risk factors and fail to take preventive steps. Understanding these risks and taking proactive measures to prevent heart disease can save lives.

Why Should Women Care About Cardiovascular Disease?

Women’s health encompasses a variety of issues, but heart disease is one of the most critical aspects. Many women develop cardiovascular issues later in life, often post-menopause, when their risk increases significantly. While heart disease is usually associated with older age, it’s important to note that 40% of heart disease deaths occur in women under the age of 65. What’s more concerning is that only 56% of women recognize that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women.

Symptoms of heart disease in women can be more subtle than those in men. While men may experience classic chest pain, women often have fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and back or jaw pain—which can be mistaken for other conditions. Silent heart attacks, which occur without apparent symptoms, are also more common in women. These factors often lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of complications.

In this article, Dr. Shankar, the medical director of the Cardiovascular Department at Essen Health Care, shares insights on the key factors and practical strategies for managing the occurrence of Cardiovascular diseases in Women.

Key Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Women

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure affects about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S., and Women are particularly at risk after menopause. Known as a 'silent killer’, high blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it can damage your arteries, heart, and kidneys. If left untreated, it can significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. The risk for high blood pressure increases with age, especially in women.

2. High Cholesterol
Approximately 12% of women aged 20 and older have high cholesterol, which contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries and can lead to heart disease. Estrogen helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels in younger women, but after menopause, the body’s estrogen levels drop, leading to increased LDL ('bad') cholesterol and decreased HDL ('good') cholesterol.

3. Obesity and Overweight Obesity is a major contributor to heart disease. About 40% of women in the U.S. are obese, and excess weight—particularly abdominal fat—increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

4. Diabetes Women with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease than men with diabetes. Women with diabetes are 4 to 6 times more likely to develop heart disease compared to women without diabetes.

5. Menopause and Hormonal Changes After menopause, women experience a drop in estrogen, which increases their risk of heart disease. Estrogen plays a protective role by keeping arteries flexible and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

6. Mental Health and Stress Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety, depression, and chronic stress, all of which negatively impact heart health.

7. Racial and Ethnic Disparities Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic women, who tend to have higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

How Can You Protect Your Heart and Overall Health?

Though some risk factors are out of your control, many others can be managed through lifestyle changes. Here’s how you can take control of your heart health:

1. Exercise Regularly Exercise improves circulation, reduces high blood pressure, and helps maintain a healthy weight. 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five times a week can significantly reduce one's risk of heart disease.

2. Quit Smoking Smoking increases your risk of heart disease 2 to 4 times. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to improve your heart health.

3. Monitor Your Health Stay on top of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar through regular check-ups. Catching issues early allows for better management and reduces the likelihood of severe complications.

4. Manage Stress Chronic stress is a major contributor to heart disease. Finding ways to relax, like practicing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, can help lower stress levels and protect your heart.

5. Limit Alcohol While moderate alcohol consumption may have some heart benefits, excessive drinking raises blood pressure.

6. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can significantly lower one's risk of heart disease.

What Can You Do Right Now?

The time to take action is now. Start by assessing your own risk factors and taking steps to reduce them. Whether it’s committing to a healthier diet, quitting smoking, or managing stress, small changes today can lead to big improvements in your health tomorrow. Heart disease is preventable, and every step you take today can lead to better heart health tomorrow.

Take Action Today!

If you experience symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Essen Health Care today for a thorough evaluation.

At Essen Health Care, our cardiologists and women’s health specialists are dedicated to comprehensive heart care. We provide:

• Cardiac screenings & risk assessments
• Advanced imaging & diagnostic services
• Personalized treatment plans
• Guidance on lifestyle changes

Schedule an appointment today to discuss your symptoms, explore treatment options, and create a plan that supports your long-term well-being. Visit our website
https://www.essenhealthcare.com/click-for-care/cardiovascular to book your consultation.

For any other symptoms related to Women’s Health, visit
https://www.essenhealthcare.com/click-for-care/womenhealth to book your consultation today.

Share this information with the women you care about—helping others take control of their heart health can make a world of difference.