The Hidden Truth About Heart Disease in Women
- lrosenthall
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
Hi ladies,
February is National Heart Month; this is the perfect time to raise awareness about the leading cause of death in women—heart disease. Too often, women overlook or dismiss the warning signs, but our heart health deserves attention, conversation, and action. Heart disease is often thought of as a "man's disease," but it is actually the #1 killer of women! Despite this alarming fact, many women are unaware of their risk, and heart disease remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in women compared to men. It’s time to shine a light on this silent epidemic and equip women with the knowledge they need to protect their hearts.
Heart Disease in Women vs. Men: What’s the Difference?
While both men and women can develop heart disease, the way it manifests differs significantly between genders. Men typically experience the classic “Hollywood” heart attack symptoms—crushing chest pain and left arm discomfort—but women’s symptoms are often more subtle and easily overlooked. Research shows that women are more likely to experience:
Unusual fatigue
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or nausea
Jaw, neck, or upper back pain
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms
Indigestion or heartburn-like symptoms
Because these signs don’t always fit the typical heart attack profile, women may delay seeking medical help, increasing their risk of severe complications or death.
The Silent Signs Women Often Ignore
Many women dismiss early warning signs as stress, anxiety, or aging. But ignoring these symptoms can have life-threatening consequences. Women tend to develop microvascular disease (affecting small arteries) rather than large blockages in major arteries, making diagnosis more challenging.
Other commonly missed signs include:
Swelling in the legs and feet
Extreme, unexplained exhaustion
Sleep disturbances
Cold sweats
According to the American Heart Association, "Many women who have heart disease do not experience the classic symptom of chest pain. Instead, they may have shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, or pain in the neck, jaw, or back. This difference in symptom presentation can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of complications."
Understanding and recognizing these early warning signs can be the difference between life and death.
My Personal Journey: Recognizing My Own Risk Factors
As a nurse practitioner and founder of She Chose Wellness, I’ve spent years helping women take control of their health—but I had to take a hard look at my own risk factors, too. Over the years, I’ve faced challenges that unknowingly increased my risk for heart disease, including:
Chronic stress from balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities.
Excess weight gain after having children, which made it harder to maintain heart health.
A more sedentary lifestyle while completing my doctoral degree, spending long hours sitting and studying.
Recent hormonal changes as I navigate hormonal imbalances, impacting my metabolism and cardiovascular health.
Realizing that I was at higher risk was a wake-up call. I knew I had to take action.
Taking Charge: My Wellness Routine for Heart Health
Instead of waiting for a health crisis, I made the decision to prioritize my heart health through small but powerful changes:
✔️ Daily movement: Walking regularly to keep my heart strong and my stress levels down.
✔️ Better nutrition: Choosing heart-healthy, whole foods and reducing processed foods and excess sugar.
✔️ Stress management: Practicing mindfulness, prayer, and setting boundaries to reduce chronic stress.
These changes aren’t just about losing weight or looking good—they’re about feeling good, living longer, and being here for the people I love. And I want the same for you, sis!
Take Action: Protect Your Heart Today
Awareness is the first step toward prevention. Now is the time to assess your risk and take charge of your heart health. In the upcoming blog posts, we’ll dive into proven prevention strategies, the impact of hormone changes, and practical wellness habits to keep your heart strong. Stay tuned for our next blog on how to prevent heart disease through lifestyle changes. Follow She Chose Wellness on social media for daily heart-healthy tips!
Your heart is worth prioritizing. Let’s take control of our health and Make Wellness Our Best Accessory!
Your sister in wellness,
Lauren
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