Women’s Heart Health

Hormonal changes:
Hormonal fluctuations, especially during menopause, can increase the risk of heart disease. The drop in estrogen levels can lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol.

Pregnancy-related complications:
Conditions like preeclampsia and gestational hypertension during pregnancy can elevate the risk of developing heart disease later in life.

Our Pregnancy Predicts Risk program is designed to reduce future heart disease risk in women who experience these conditions during pregnancy. Talk with your Obstetrics provider for a referral.

Heart rhythm disorders:
Women are more susceptible to certain heart rhythm disorders, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and inappropriate sinus tachycardia, which can cause palpitations and fatigue.

Different symptoms:
Women often experience heart attack symptoms differently than men. Instead of the typical chest pain, you might feel shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or pain in your back, neck, jaw, or stomach. We ensure our EMS and ED teams are trained to recognize these unique symptoms and follow clear protocols for EKG administration.

Underdiagnosis and treatment:
Historically, women have been less aggressively treated for heart disease prevention and conditions like peripheral arterial disease (PAD) compared to men, leading to higher risks of complications. We're dedicated to changing this by educating the community and healthcare providers about the importance of recognizing and treating these conditions in women.