Empowering Hearts: A Woman’s Guide to Cardiovascular Health

For many years, heart disease was considered a “man’s disease.” That began to change about 30 years ago, thanks in large part to Emory Healthcare cardiologist Nanette Wenger, MD. She was one of the first doctors to focus on heart disease in women—and the first and most insistent voice to push for greater inclusion of women in heart disease research.

Today, researchers around the world are studying heart disease in women. Despite significant progress, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women (and men), surpassing breast cancer and lung disease. It is responsible for about one in every five deaths in women.

Heart Disease Symptoms Look Different in Women

“Women often recognize symptoms of heart disease but delay seeking care because they are often caring for the family, their household or working, so they take care of themselves last,” says Ijeoma Isiadinso, MD, director of Heart Disease Prevention at Emory Heart & Vascular. “Some women also delay seeking medical attention because they feel they are too young or that women are less likely to have heart disease.”

The most common symptom of heart disease in men and women is chest pain, discomfort or pressure. Women are more likely than men to have other symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Arm or upper back pain

If you think you are having a heart-related emergency, such as a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Heart Disease Risk Factors in Women

Many risk factors for heart disease are the same in men and women, such as:

• Being overweight or obese
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking

“There are additional risk factors that are unique to women,” says Dr. Isiadinso. “For example, complications that may occur during pregnancy, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can increase the risk of heart disease, hypertension or diabetes later in life. And during menopause, a woman’s risk of heart disease rises due to hormonal changes. Finally, inflammatory rheumatic conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, occur more often in women than men and are also associated with an increased risk of heart disease”.

Take Care of Your Heart

Most heart disease is preventable, and early detection saves lives. The most important place to start is with a heart-healthy lifestyle.

• Be physically active
• Do not smoke (or vape)
• Find ways to manage your stress
• Follow a diet with plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources, such as chicken and fish
• Get quality sleep
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Limit your salt intake and avoid foods high in simple carbohydrates and fat
• Maintain a healthy weight

Routine screenings for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can help your provider identify early risk factors of heart disease. Medications to treat these conditions can also help lower your risk of heart disease.

Specialized Heart Care for Women at Emory Heart & Vascular

Emory Heart & Vascular offers a dedicated program focused on women’s heart health. Our team of physicians and nurse practitioners provides collaborative care for women who are at risk of or already have heart disease. Patients can also participate in clinical trials that seek to better understand heart disease in women.