When we think about women’s health, topics like hormones, fertility or menopause often come to mind. But one important area is still often overlooked: heart health.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women globally. In fact, around one in three women die from cardiovascular disease each year. Despite this, awareness remains relatively low, and many women don't recognize the risks or symptoms early enough.
Why heart health matters for women
Heart disease has long been perceived as a “male issue,” but this view is outdated. Women:
- Are less likely to be diagnosed early
- May experience different or less obvious symptoms
- Are often under-represented in research and treatment pathways
As a result, some women may delay seeking help or may not realize the warning signs at all.
It’s not just about age, it’s about life stages
Heart health in women is closely linked to key life stages, with certain factors appearing over time.
Pregnancy and early adulthood
Certain pregnancy-related conditions, such as high blood pressure during pregnancy, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
Midlife and menopause
During menopause, oestrogen levels decline, blood vessels can become stiffer and risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol may increase. As a result, cardiovascular risk naturally rises during this stage of life.
Later life
Women generally develop heart disease later than men, but differences in symptoms and outcomes remain important.
Know the signs: Symptoms can be different
Heart attack symptoms in women aren't always the “classic” chest pain we hear about. While chest discomfort can still occur, women can also experience:
- Unusual or extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or dizziness
- Pain in the back, neck or jaw
These symptoms can be more subtle, which is why it's important to listen to your body and seek medical advice if something feels unusual.
Everyday factors that make a difference
The good news is that many of the key risk factors are within our control. They include:
- Physical inactivity
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking and excessive alcohol use
- Poor sleep
- Chronic stress
Work and daily routines can strongly influence these factors. Long working hours, increased screen time and competing priorities may all play a role.
There's also more and more evidence that psychosocial stress contributes to cardiovascular risk in women. This highlights the importance of mental wellbeing alongside physical health.
Practical steps to support your heart health
Improving heart health doesn't require perfection. Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference over time. Some simple starting points include:
- Move more, regularly: Even short daily walks can have measurable benefits
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for regular and consistent sleep where possible
- Check key health markers: Such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose
- Manage stress: Through boundaries, regular breaks and support systems
- Know your personal history: Including pregnancy-related conditions and family risk factors
Importantly, this isn’t just relevant later in life. Building healthy habits earlier can significantly reduce long-term risk.
A final thought
Heart health is relevant at every stage of a woman’s life. By recognizing the signs, understanding the risks and taking preventative steps early, women can greatly improve their long-term health and wellbeing.
Small actions today can lead to better outcomes not only for individuals, but also for families and communities.
