Spring 2025 5 Heart disease remains a leading cause of death for women, claiming about one in five lives each year. The good news is that heart disease is preventable, and understanding your risk is the first step toward better heart health. “There are several major risk factors for heart disease that affect both men and women,” says Cardiologist Shoaib Saya, MD. “These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and a family history of heart disease. However, there are specific risk factors that are more prevalent among women.” Those risk factors include: Lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can raise the risk of heart disease. Because lupus is more common in women than in men, a woman’s chances of having heart issues related to lupus are higher. Menopause. Before menopause, higher levels of estrogen help protect women from heart disease. After menopause, estrogen levels decline, and a woman’s risk of heart disease rises. Women who Understanding unique heart risks for women experience early menopause—before age 45—are at higher risk for heart problems. Pregnancy complications. Women who face conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) may encounter a higher risk of heart issues postpartum. Help your heart Talking with your doctor about your specific heart disease risk factors can help your heart. Your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Managing stress as best you can is also crucial, Dr. Saya advises. As a woman, it’s important to keep in mind that chest pain isn’t the only symptom of a heart attack that should prompt you to call 911. “Women often experience shoulder, neck or back pain,” Dr. Saya notes. “They may also feel nauseated or like they’re going to pass out.” Paying attention to these symptoms and your heart disease risk factors can help you take action to protect your heart now and in the future! Stay heart-healthy Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Heart to learn about the expert heart care at Texas Health Mansfield.
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