Why heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women.
By Olivia Barboza
The progress modern medicine has taken over the past few decades is astounding. Life expectancy has doubled since 1900 and increasing numbers of promising new cancer treatments are emerging. Despite these incredible medical advancements, heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the U.S. General Surgeon, Kaitlin Dewhirst, states that heart disease is mostly seen as a “man’s disease.” For this reason, education is limited for women. Indeed, only half of women in America recognize that heart disease is their biggest killer.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a term encompassing conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attacks and congestive heart failure. These conditions damage the heart through plaque buildup, valve malfunctions or other disruptions to its function.
According to the CDC, heart disease represents the cause of death in one of five women each year – a statistic that has remained unchanged for decades.
Why Does Heart Disease Persist?
One reason is the historical underrepresentation of women in medical research. Dr. Dewhirst states that research over the years has focused disproportionately on men in their clinical trials, leaving women grossly underrepresented. Consequently, women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated, with their symptoms dismissed or misunderstood.
Many health conditions predispose women to heart disease as well. Hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause and other conditions such as pre-eclampsia can increase a woman’s long-term cardiovascular risk.
Compounding this are risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and smoking. In addition, anxiety and depression impact the frequency and severity of heart disease, both of which disproportionately impact women, especially those with limited access to preventive care.
Prevention and Awareness
1. Educate Yourself and Others
Dr. Dewhirst emphasizes that the best thing a woman can do for her health is to be her own best advocate. Speak with your doctor often, recognizing that you know your body best. Understand and monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Know the unique symptoms of heart disease in women and share this knowledge within your community. Participate in the Go Red for Women movement every February and make it your mission to prioritize women’s heart health throughout the year. Resources like the CDC and American Heart Association offer accessible guidance.
2. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, avocado, & nuts)
- Stay active with at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise, including strength training
- Manage stress through mindfulness, yoga or counseling
- Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep nightly
3. Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol
Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure, while excessive alcohol consumption contributes to high blood pressure, weight gain and cardiovascular strain. Quitting smoking and drinking in moderation can significantly reduce risk.
Looking Ahead
While progress has been made – such as increased awareness, improved treatments and greater inclusion of women in research – challenges persist. Women are still less likely than men to receive a timely diagnosis or appropriate treatments, and women of color face even greater disparities. Rising rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension also demand urgent attention as they are significant risk factors for heart disease.
The impact of seemingly simple resolutions like “walk 30 minutes every day” or “only one drink every week” can have a positive impact on your quality of life. It’s never too late to make a change.