Heart Disease in Women: How Symptoms and Risks Differ
Know the signs and take control of your heart health
Know the signs and take control of your heart health
For many women, getting serious about heart health may seem like a lot to ask for, especially if heart disease still seems like something that mainly affects men.
But heart disease doesn’t discriminate. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.
National statistics show more than 60 million women — about 44% of women in the U.S. — are living with some type of heart disease.
Heart disease contributes to about 1 in 5 deaths among women. Yet many don’t realize their risk. Only about 56% of women recognize heart disease as their leading cause of death, which can lead to delays in prevention, screening and treatment.
“Women are just as vulnerable as men to developing heart disease. Outreach is critical since the symptoms, screenings and preventive care for men and women can significantly differ,” says Kiyon Chung, MD, a cardiologist at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego.
What is heart disease?
Heart disease refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including:
- Coronary heart disease
- Arrhythmias
- Heart failure
- Congenital heart defects
Coronary heart disease — caused by plaque buildup in the arteries — is the most common form of heart disease and the leading cause of heart attacks.
Why heart disease looks different in women
Women’s hearts differ from men’s in several important and often overlooked ways.
- Women often develop heart disease later in life, especially after menopause.
- Certain conditions, like coronary microvascular disease and takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome), are more common in women.
- Women are also more likely to have symptoms that don’t match the “classic” chest pain, making awareness and early detection especially important.
Common heart attack symptoms in women
Chest pain or discomfort is still the most common symptom for both men and women. But women may also experience signs that feel less obvious, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the upper back, shoulders or neck
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unusual fatigue
- Cold sweats or lightheadedness
Recognizing these symptoms sooner can lead to faster treatment and better outcomes.
Because women’s symptoms can be mistaken for everyday issues, like indigestion or lack of sleep, it’s especially important for women to know their risk factors and get regular, thorough heart screenings.
Risk factors for heart disease in women
Heart disease risk is influenced by both traditional factors and factors that can weigh more heavily on women.
Traditional risk factors
These are well-established contributors to heart disease:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking and secondhand smoke
- Diabetes and prediabetes
- Overweight, obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet
- Family history of heart disease
Risk factors more common in women
Along with traditional risk factors, women may face additional risks that aren’t always captured in standard heart disease screening tools. These factors can play a bigger role across a woman’s lifetime, especially during key health stages. Recognizing them can help guide earlier prevention and care.
Additional risk factors that may weigh more heavily on women include:
- Pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
- Menopause and hormonal changes
- Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression
- Socioeconomic and racial disparities that can affect access to care
Women with multiple risk factors, especially if they’re not well managed, face a much higher risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Prevention: How women can protect their hearts
The good news is that heart disease is often preventable. In many cases, small, consistent choices made over time can add up to meaningful protection at any age. The key is knowing your numbers, building heart-healthy habits and staying alert to warning signs.
Regular health screenings
Routine checkups can catch changes early, before they become serious. Talk with your doctor about:
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- Your personal and family history of heart disease, including pregnancy-related complications or early heart issues in relatives
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, also known as calcium score test, to help measure plaque buildup in your heart’s arteries and better understand your risk of a future heart attack.
Healthy lifestyle habits
Daily habits play a major role in reducing risk. Aim to:
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week if you can and check with your doctor on what’s safe for you
- Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Manage stress and prioritize quality sleep
When to see a doctor
Seek medical help right away for sudden or severe symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or fainting.
For routine care, schedule regular checkups to monitor heart health and update prevention strategies based on your age, health conditions and family history.