Ischemic Heart Disease in Women: What You Need to Know in 2025
Published: April 12th, 2025
By: Garcia Family Medicine
At Garcia Family Medicine, we’re committed to keeping your heart healthy—especially if you’re a woman. Ischemic heart disease (IHD), also known as coronary artery disease, is a leading cause of death for women worldwide, yet it’s often misunderstood or overlooked. In 2025, as we continue to learn more about how IHD affects women differently than men, it’s clear that awareness and early action are key. If you’re concerned about your heart health, call us at 816-427-5320 to schedule a check-up. Let’s dive into what IHD means for women, backed by the latest statistics and insights.
What Is Ischemic Heart Disease?
IHD happens when the heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, often from plaque buildup. This can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attacks, or heart failure. While it’s a major health issue for both genders, women face unique challenges in how it presents and progresses. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease, including IHD, claims the lives of about 1 in 3 women in the U.S.—a staggering 400,000 deaths annually.
Why IHD Hits Women Differently
For too long, heart disease was seen as a “man’s problem.” But the truth is, women are just as vulnerable—sometimes more so. A 2021 Lancet Commission report found that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally for women, responsible for 35% of female deaths each year. Yet, women’s symptoms often don’t match the classic “chest-clutching” image we see in movies. Instead, they might feel extreme fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, or pain in the jaw or back. A 2016 study in Circulation noted that women with IHD are more likely to experience these atypical symptoms, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Why the difference? Hormones play a role. Before menopause, estrogen offers some protection against IHD, but after menopause, risk spikes. The Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) reported in 2022 that women over 55 have a 50% higher chance of dying from a heart attack than men of the same age, partly because their disease is caught later. At Garcia Family Medicine, we see this firsthand and urge women to listen to their bodies. If something feels off, don’t wait—call us at 816-427-5320.
The Stats Tell a Sobering Story
Let’s look at the numbers:
Prevalence: The AHA states that 44% of U.S. women—nearly 60 million—live with some form of cardiovascular disease, including IHD.
Mortality: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2023 that heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined, with over 300,000 deaths yearly.
Young Women at Risk: A 2020 JACC review highlighted a troubling rise in IHD deaths among women aged 35-54, up 3% annually since 2010.
Delayed Diagnosis: A 2019 study in Circulation found that women are 50% less likely than men to receive a timely IHD diagnosis due to atypical symptoms.
Treatment Gaps: The same study showed women are 20% less likely to undergo procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery.
These stats underscore a critical need for awareness. At Garcia Family Medicine, we’re here to bridge that gap with personalized care.
Risk Factors: What Puts Women at Risk?
Traditional risk factors like high cholesterol, smoking, and hypertension affect both genders, but some hit women harder. A 2016 Diabetologia meta-analysis found that women with diabetes are 44% more likely than men with diabetes to develop IHD. Smoking is another big one—women who smoke have a 25% higher risk of IHD than male smokers, per a 2011 Circulation study.
Then there are women-specific risks:
Pregnancy Complications: Preeclampsia or gestational diabetes doubles IHD risk later in life, according to a 2021 Heart, Lung and Circulation report.
Menopause: Post-menopausal women see a 2-3 times higher IHD risk due to estrogen decline (Circulation, 2018).
Mental Health: A 2024 Current Atherosclerosis Reports review found that depression and stress—more prevalent in women—raise IHD risk by 30%.
At Garcia Family Medicine, we take a holistic approach, screening for these risks and more. Call us at 816-427-5320 to discuss your unique profile.
The Microvascular Mystery
Here’s where it gets tricky: women are more likely to have IHD without major blockages in their large arteries. Instead, the problem often lies in the tiny blood vessels (microvasculature) of the heart. A 2016 Circulation Research study estimated that up to 50% of women with IHD symptoms have microvascular dysfunction, compared to just 20% of men. This can cause chest pain and ischemia but doesn’t always show up on standard tests like angiograms, leaving many women undiagnosed.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), a rare but serious condition, also disproportionately affects women. The AHA notes that 80% of SCAD cases occur in women, often in their 40s or 50s, with 20-25% linked to pregnancy. These differences mean women need tailored testing and care—something we prioritize at Garcia Family Medicine.
Challenges in Care
Even when women seek help, they face hurdles. A 2023 npj Women’s Health review found that women with IHD are less likely to get aggressive treatments—only 15% receive stents compared to 25% of men. Doctors may misattribute symptoms to anxiety or menopause, especially in younger women. The Korean Circulation Journal (2016) reported that women under 50 with heart attacks have a 2-fold higher mortality rate than men, often due to delayed care.
At Garcia Family Medicine, we’re trained to spot these red flags. If you’ve been brushed off elsewhere, call us at 816-427-5320—we’ll listen.
What Can Women Do?
Prevention is power. Here’s how to protect your heart:
Know Your Numbers: Check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regularly. The AHA says 80% of heart disease is preventable with lifestyle changes.
Move More: Just 30 minutes of brisk walking most days cuts IHD risk by 19%, per a 2018 Circulation study.
Quit Smoking: It’s tough, but worth it—quitting drops IHD risk by 50% within a year (CDC, 2023).
Manage Stress: Mindfulness or therapy can lower heart strain.
If you’ve had pregnancy issues or hit menopause, talk to us about extra screening. Early detection saves lives.
How Garcia Family Medicine Can Help
We’re not just here to treat IHD—we’re here to prevent it. Our team offers:
Comprehensive heart health screenings
Personalized risk assessments, including women-specific factors
Lifestyle counseling and support
Referrals to specialists when needed
In 2025, we’re doubling down on women’s heart health because the stakes are too high to ignore. Heart disease doesn’t discriminate, but it does demand attention. If you’re a woman—or care about one—don’t wait for symptoms to escalate. Call Garcia Family Medicine at 816-427-5320 today to schedule an appointment. Your heart deserves it.
A Call to Action
IHD in women is a silent epidemic, but it doesn’t have to be. With 1 in 4 female deaths tied to cardiovascular disease (AHA, 2023), we can’t afford to stay quiet. At Garcia Family Medicine, we’re here to empower you with knowledge and care. Whether you’re 35 or 75, your heart matters to us. Pick up the phone—816-427-5320—and let’s start protecting it together.
Stay proactive about your health,
Garcia Family Medicine
References
American Heart Association (2023). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update.
The Lancet Women and Cardiovascular Disease Commission (2021). Reducing the Global Burden by 2030.
CDC (2023). Women and Heart Disease Facts.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2020). IHD in Young Women: Rising Mortality.
Circulation (2016). Sex Differences in IHD Presentation and Outcomes.
Diabetologia (2016). Diabetes as a Risk Factor for IHD in Women vs. Men.
Circulation (2011). Gender Differences in Smoking and IHD Risk.
Heart, Lung and Circulation (2021). Pregnancy Complications and IHD Risk.
Circulation Research (2016). Microvascular Dysfunction in Women with IHD.
npj Women’s Health (2023). Preventing IHD in Women: Global Policy Review.
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.
