Heart Health in Women

A woman’s risk of heart disease

Heart disease was long considered a “man’s disease,” but it’s just as common in women. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, contributing to 1 in 5 deaths.

Although women share some cardiovascular risk factors with men — such as a family history of heart disease and high cholesterol — they also have unique risk factors:  

• A first menstrual period before age 11
• Delivery of a low- or high-birth-weight baby
• Conditions related to a high-risk pregnancy, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and gestational hypertension
• Menopause before age 40
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Preterm delivery

Lower your risk of heart disease by paying close attention to your health and partnering with your provider to protect your heart. 

How does heart disease affect women?

More than 40% of U.S. women have some type of heart disease, and 80% of 40- to 60-year-old women have at least one risk factor. Still, many women are unaware they’re at risk.

Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease in both men and women. Women are at an increased risk of developing this disease after menopause.

Women also experience heart conditions differently because of several factors, including hormonal changes and anatomical differences in the size and structure of the heart. 

Symptoms of heart disease in women

Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom for both men and women, but women are more likely to experience the pain as a crushing sensation, pressure, or tightness.  

Women also often experience chest pain occurring during rest or normal activities in comparison with men, who often experience chest pain during or after exercise.  

Symptoms of a heart attack for women might include:

• Dizziness
• Excessive or unrelenting fatigue
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the neck, jaw, arms, shoulders, abdomen, or back
• Shortness of breath