Let’s be honest, heart health isn’t always at the top of the to-do list. Between work, family, and that never-ending laundry pile, it’s easy to assume everything is fine.
But here’s the deal: heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., and yet, 80% of it is preventable. That’s a statistic worth paying attention to.
The truth about heart disease in women
Heart disease doesn’t always look the way we expect — especially for women.
- Heart attack symptoms can differ for men and women. Men often experience classic chest pain, while women may have symptoms like indigestion, fatigue, or trouble breathing.
- Black women are at higher risk. More than half of Black women age 20+ have high blood pressure, which significantly increases heart disease risk.
- Diabetes is a major factor. Women with diabetes are more likely than men to develop heart disease because the condition often leads to plaque buildup in the arteries.
3 steps to a healthier heart
Taking charge of your heart health doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s where to start:
1. Assess your heart health
A quick visit to your doctor can give you essential numbers to monitor:
- Blood pressure: 120/80
- Blood sugar: 100 mg/dL (fasting)
- Cholesterol: Discuss target levels with your doctor
- Body mass index (BMI): 25
2. Know your risk factors
Some risks are within your control:
- High blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol
- Poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity
- Diabetes, excessive alcohol, stress
Others, like age, family history, and race, are not — but knowing about them helps you stay proactive.
3. Take action
- Quit smoking: This is one of the biggest risk reducers.
- Eat well: A Mediterranean-style diet is great for heart health.
- Move more: Just 30 minutes of activity, five days a week, is enough to make a difference.
- Manage stress: Find what calms you, whether it’s yoga, journaling, or a long walk.
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for seven to eight hours each night.
Heart health starts with small, consistent choices. A simple way to begin? Take Novant Health’s heart risk assessment — it’s just five minutes and could help guide your next steps toward a stronger, healthier heart.
