Understanding Heart Disease in Women: Why It’s Different and What You Can Do About It
Published: April 11, 2025
By: Garcia Family Medicine
At Garcia Family Medicine, we’re committed to keeping your family healthy, and that includes shedding light on a topic that’s often misunderstood: heart disease in women. For too long, heart disease was labeled a “man’s disease,” leaving many women unaware of their risks or the unique ways it can show up in their bodies. Today, we know better—heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, claiming nearly one in three female lives. But it doesn’t affect women the same way it does men, and understanding these differences could save your life or the life of someone you love. If you have questions or want to take charge of your heart health, call us at 816-427-5320 to schedule a visit. Let’s dive into what makes heart disease different for women and how we can help.
A Silent Threat: Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease doesn’t discriminate by gender, but it does behave differently. Every year, it takes the lives of women and men in almost equal numbers—yet women are often diagnosed later and face worse outcomes after events like heart attacks. Why? Part of the answer lies in awareness. A survey from 2019 found that only 44% of women recognized heart disease as their top killer, down from 65% a decade earlier. This drop in awareness is alarming, especially among younger women and women of color, where the decline was steepest. For example, Hispanic women saw their awareness plummet to levels far below their peers, making it harder for them to spot the signs or seek help early.
At Garcia Family Medicine, we see this as a call to action. Heart disease isn’t just about chest pain and dramatic collapses—especially for women. It’s a complex condition that can sneak up quietly, with symptoms that are easy to dismiss. That’s why we’re here to help you understand your risks and take steps to protect your heart. Call us at 816-427-5320 to talk about your personal risk factors today.
Symptoms That Whisper, Not Shout
One of the biggest differences in heart disease between men and women is how it presents. Men often describe the classic “Hollywood heart attack”—crushing chest pain radiating down the arm. Women, however, might not feel that at all. Instead, they’re more likely to experience subtle, vague symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, or even jaw pain. These signs can be brushed off as stress or indigestion, delaying critical care. Studies show that women are more likely than men to die after a heart attack, partly because these atypical symptoms lead to later diagnosis and treatment.
Take this statistic: women under 50 who have a heart attack are twice as likely to die compared to men of the same age. That’s a sobering reality, and it underscores why knowing your body—and trusting when something feels off—is so important. At Garcia Family Medicine, we encourage you to listen to those whispers. If you’re feeling unusually tired, short of breath, or just “not right,” don’t wait. Call us at 816-427-5320, and let’s figure it out together.
Risk Factors: A Woman’s Unique Profile
While men and women share some heart disease risk factors—like high blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol—women face additional challenges tied to their biology and life stages. For instance, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, can double the risk of heart disease by increasing insulin resistance and cholesterol levels. Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, also raise a woman’s lifetime risk—sometimes by as much as 50%—yet these red flags often go unaddressed after delivery.
Menopause adds another layer. After age 50, women’s risk of heart disease spikes as estrogen levels drop, stripping away a natural shield that once helped keep blood vessels flexible. By age 65, women catch up to men in terms of heart disease prevalence, with about 1 in 4 women living with some form of cardiovascular condition. But here’s the kicker: women with hypertension—a major risk factor—are less likely to have it under control compared to men, even though it’s just as treatable.
At Garcia Family Medicine, we take a personalized approach to your heart health. Whether you’ve had a complicated pregnancy, are navigating menopause, or just want to get ahead of your risks, we’re here. Call us at 816-427-5320 to schedule a check-up and get a plan tailored to you.
The Biology Beneath: Heart Cells and Hormones
Even at the cellular level, women’s hearts are different. Research from early 2025 revealed that men’s and women’s heart cells use different fuels to power themselves—men’s prefer fats, while women’s lean toward sugars. This might sound like a small detail, but it could explain why treatments that work well for men don’t always help women as much. Hormones play a role too. Before menopause, estrogen offers some protection, but after, women’s arteries stiffen faster than men’s, accelerating heart disease risk.
This biological uniqueness means women need care that’s tuned to their bodies—not a one-size-fits-all approach. At Garcia Family Medicine, we stay on top of the latest science to make sure your treatment fits you. Worried about your heart? Call us at 816-427-5320, and let’s talk about what’s best for you.
Diagnosis and Treatment Gaps
Here’s a tough truth: women don’t always get the same level of care as men when it comes to heart disease. Studies show women are less likely to be referred for diagnostic tests like angiograms, even when they show up with symptoms. After a heart attack, they’re less likely to receive aggressive treatments like stents or bypass surgery. One analysis found that women were 20% more likely to die in the year following a heart attack, partly due to these gaps.
Why does this happen? Sometimes it’s bias—doctors might underestimate a woman’s risk because of old stereotypes. Other times, it’s because women present differently, and the medical system hasn’t fully caught up. At Garcia Family Medicine, we’re committed to closing that gap for our patients. We take your symptoms seriously and push for the tests and treatments you need. If you’re concerned about your heart, don’t hesitate—call us at 816-427-5320.
Prevention: Empowering Women to Take Control
The good news? Up to 80% of heart disease is preventable with lifestyle changes and early intervention. Women can lower their risk by focusing on a heart-healthy diet—think lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains—regular exercise (30 minutes most days), and quitting smoking. Managing stress is key too, since chronic stress hits women’s hearts harder, sometimes triggering conditions like Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome,” which strikes women 9 times more often than men.
Screenings matter too. About 1 in 16 women over 20 has coronary artery disease, often without knowing it. Regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can catch problems early. At Garcia Family Medicine, we make prevention simple and accessible. Call us at 816-427-5320 to set up a screening and start protecting your heart today.
A Call to Action for Your Heart
Heart disease in women isn’t just a medical issue—it’s a personal one. It’s about knowing your body, advocating for yourself, and getting the care you deserve. At Garcia Family Medicine, we’re your partners in this journey. Whether you’re a young mom with a history of preeclampsia, a woman in menopause noticing new symptoms, or just someone who wants to stay ahead of the game, we’re here for you.
The statistics are clear: heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined, and it’s time we talked about it. With nearly 300,000 women dying from it each year in the U.S., we can’t afford to ignore the differences that set women apart. If you’re ready to take control of your heart health—or if you just have questions—call us at 816-427-5320. Let’s work together to keep your heart beating strong for years to come.
Stay safe and informed,
Garcia Family Medicine
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. Consult a doctor for medical advice. Call Garcia Family Medicine at 816-427-5320 for personalized care.
