From the Cross County Cardiology Education Team
Heart disease is often considered a man's health problem, but it’s actually the leading cause of death for women, too. Despite this fact, many women don’t recognize their own risk. Understanding the signs and differences can help save lives.
Why Heart Disease is Different for Women
Women often have heart disease that doesn’t look or feel the way we expect. Unlike men, who usually have clear signs such as chest pain, women frequently experience subtle symptoms. These symptoms can be easily overlooked or mistaken for other health issues.
Common symptoms women might experience include:
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Shortness of breath
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Nausea or vomiting
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Jaw, neck, or back pain
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Unusual tiredness or weakness
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Feeling dizzy or fainting
Because these symptoms don’t always seem related to the heart, women sometimes delay seeking help, leading to more serious outcomes.
Unique Risk Factors for Women
Women face specific risks that men do not. Knowing these can help you recognize if you're at higher risk:
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Pregnancy-Related Conditions: Issues like preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) or gestational diabetes can increase your future risk of heart disease.
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Early Menopause: Going through menopause before age 45 increases heart disease risks.
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Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are more common in women and can damage the heart and blood vessels.
Why Research Matters
For many years, heart disease research mainly involved men. This created a knowledge gap about how heart disease specifically affects women. Now, more studies include women, helping doctors better understand how to diagnose and treat heart conditions effectively in females.
New technology is helping too. For example, researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify early signs of heart disease through routine screenings like mammograms. This could allow doctors to spot problems much earlier, giving women a chance to act sooner and protect their heart health.
Protect Your Heart Health
At Cross County Cardiology, we encourage all women to take simple steps to protect their heart:
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Know Your Numbers: Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
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Stay Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
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Eat Healthy: Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
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Reduce Stress: Find healthy ways to relax, like walking, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
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Visit Your Doctor: Regular check-ups help catch problems early.
How Cross County Cardiology Can Help
We’re committed to providing specialized, women-focused heart care. Our team offers comprehensive screenings, clear guidance, and personalized care plans that fit your life. We take the time to educate you about your specific risks, answer your questions, and help you build a healthier heart.
Heart disease in women can be prevented and managed. Don’t wait until symptoms appear—take control now.
Ready to take the next step?
📞 Schedule your heart health checkup today 
