Heart Disease in Women: Risks and Prevention
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Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Yet, many women are unaware of how their risk differs from men—or how much it changes throughout life. A recent expert consensus, published in Revista Española de Cardiología, brings attention to these differences and offers clear guidance for prevention at every life stage.
Why Women Face Unique Heart Risks
While both men and women share common risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and diabetes, women also face sex-specific risks. These include hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), early menopause, and pregnancy complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. These events may seem temporary but can leave lasting effects on heart health.
Mental health also plays a role. Women are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, which can raise the risk of heart disease. Medications, contraceptives, and hormone therapies can also affect cardiovascular health differently in women than in men.
Teen and Young Adult Years
In adolescence, girls begin accumulating body fat more rapidly than boys. Physical activity often declines, while smoking rates rise. These early changes can set the stage for future health problems.
Doctors recommend starting heart-healthy habits early: staying active, avoiding smoking, and watching weight and blood pressure. For girls with PCOS or early hormonal disorders, regular checkups are especially important.
During Pregnancy and After
Pregnancy is a major turning point. It puts a natural strain on the heart, and for some women, that strain leads to complications like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. These issues don’t always disappear after delivery and can raise long-term heart risks.
Doctors advise close monitoring before, during, and after pregnancy—especially if a woman has a history of heart issues or pregnancy complications. Postpartum care is vital, as many serious events happen in the weeks after birth, not during delivery.
Menopause and Midlife
Menopause reduces estrogen, a hormone that offers natural protection against heart disease. As estrogen levels drop, risks rise—especially for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and belly fat. This is also a time when many women experience more noticeable symptoms like fatigue or chest discomfort.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help in some cases, especially if started early, but it’s not for everyone. Lifestyle changes—like a Mediterranean diet, quitting smoking, and regular exercise—remain the most powerful tools.
Older Age and Ongoing Prevention
As women age, the risk of heart disease continues to grow. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart failure become more common. Unfortunately, women are often underdiagnosed or treated less aggressively than men.
Doctors stress the importance of regular checkups, medications when needed, and programs like cardiac rehabilitation. Women benefit just as much as men—sometimes more—from these treatments, but they are less likely to be referred or attend.
What Women Can Do Now
- Know your numbers. Track your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regularly.
- Be aware of symptoms. Women often have different heart attack symptoms than men, like fatigue, nausea, or jaw pain.
- Stay active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
- Eat smart. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Don’t ignore stress. Mental health is heart health.
- Ask about your risk. If you’ve had pregnancy issues or early menopause, your doctor should know.
The Bottom Line
Heart disease in women is real—but it’s also preventable. By understanding how risks change from adolescence through menopause, women can take charge of their health. Whether it’s quitting smoking, managing blood pressure, or simply going for a walk, every small step matters.
This new consensus from Spanish medical societies offers a powerful message: women's heart health deserves attention at every stage of life. Prevention isn’t just possible—it’s essential.