Six facts women should know about their heart

Heart disease is often misunderstood as a condition that mainly affects men, yet it remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States. During American Heart Month, Priyanka Satish, MD, director of preventive cardiology at Ascension Seton, shares six key facts every woman should know to protect her heart throughout life:

Heart disease affects women differently than men

For many years, cardiovascular research focused primarily on men, and those findings were often assumed to apply to women as well. Today, we know heart disease can affect women differently, with unique conditions, symptoms, risk factors and responses to lifestyle changes.

Women are more likely to develop heart conditions that are less commonly seen in men, and the benefits of exercise and lifestyle changes can also vary by gender. In addition, factors unique to women, such as reproductive history and hormone changes, play an important role in shaping future heart disease risk, an area that has only recently become better understood.

Women may experience heart disease differently, and that includes how symptoms show up and how risk evolves over time. Understanding these differences is critical to early detection and prevention.

Heart disease does not affect all women in the same way. Take into account family history, a history of pregnancy complications, and other individual risk factors help care teams identify women who may benefit from early screening and prevention. At Ascension Seton, your care team creates a personalized care plan just for you.

Menopause is a key turning point for heart health

Women are often told they are naturally protected from heart disease, especially before menopause. While premenopausal women tend to have a lower short-term risk, that risk rises significantly after menopause.

After menopause, we see a big catch-up in cardiovascular risk.

During and after menopause, many women experience changes that can affect heart health, including shifts in cholesterol levels, blood pressure and body composition. These changes can increase the risk of heart disease and make a woman’s midlife an important time to focus on prevention. Heart health screenings, lifestyle changes and regular checkups are essential during this stage of life.

Heart attack symptoms aren’t always what you expect

While chest pain is still the most common heart attack symptom in women, it may not always present as chest tightness commonly described in men. Other symptoms can include nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, pain in one or both arms, upper abdominal discomfort, or a sudden sense that something isn’t right.

These symptoms can feel vague or be mistaken for something less serious, like indigestion or stress. If symptoms are severe, persistent or concerning, it’s always best to seek medical care right away.

These warning signs may come on gradually or feel less intense than expected, which can make them easier to overlook. Paying attention to how your body feels can make a critical difference.

Your personal health history matters more than you think

Well women exams are an important opportunity to better understand your heart health risk. Share a complete medical and reproductive history with your primary care physician or OB-GYN, even if you feel healthy or have no symptoms.

Certain health conditions and life events can raise a woman’s risk for heart disease earlier than expected. These risk factors can include:

• A strong family history of early heart disease
• Pregnancy-related conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or preterm delivery
• Autoimmune diseases
• Vascular disease elsewhere in the body, such as circulation problems in the legs

By identifying these risk factors early, Ascension Seton care teams can better determine who may benefit from closer monitoring or earlier screening. Regular testing of cholesterol, blood sugar levels and blood pressure are essential. In some cases, additional testing, such as a coronary artery calcium scan (CT), can help clarify risk and guide prevention strategies, especially when risk is uncertain.

Taking the time to discuss your full health history helps ensure your care plan is tailored to you, supporting long-term heart health at every stage of life.

It’s never too early to start protecting your heart

Heart disease prevention should start early. Healthy habits in your 20s and 30s can significantly improve heart health later in life.

I recommend:

• Regular physical activity, including strength training
• A plant-forward, whole-food diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber
• Limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, red meat and alcohol

You really cannot start prevention too early. These lifestyle choices can expand not just your lifespan, but your health span.

Personalized prevention makes a difference

At Ascension Seton, the preventive cardiology team takes a comprehensive, individualized approach to care, combining lifestyle guidance, advanced screening and therapy when needed.

Our goal is to identify each person’s unique risk and tailor a prevention plan that helps them live better, longer lives.

Take the next step for your heart

This American Heart Month, make your heart health a priority by knowing your risk and acting early can make a lasting difference. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Satish at Ascension Seton to create a personalized plan to protect your heart for years to come.