Health literacy plays a crucial role in every woman’s ability to make informed decisions about her heart health. In simple terms, health literacy means understanding health information and knowing how to use it to improve your well-being. Yet nearly 9 out of 10 adults struggle to understand and use personal and public health information when it’s unfamiliar, complex, or filled with jargon.
For women, this gap can be life-threatening. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, but many miss warning signs or misunderstand medical advice. That’s where health literacy becomes a lifesaving skill.
Why Health Literacy Matters:
- Improves Early Detection: Understanding symptoms and risk factors leads to earlier care.
- Reduces Miscommunication: More confident communication with doctors leads to better care.
- Empowers Decision-Making: Women feel more in control of their treatment plans.
What Women Can Do:
- Ask Questions: It’s okay to ask doctors to explain something again.
- Bring a Support Person: A friend or family member can take notes or ask clarifying questions.
- Use Trusted Sources: Websites like WomenHeart.org offer reliable, easy-to-understand content.
Tips for Providers:
Healthcare professionals can bridge this gap by using plain language, providing visual aids, and confirming understanding through the “teach-back” method.
WomenHeart’s Role:
WomenHeart offers support groups, educational resources, and trained Champions who help other women navigate their diagnosis. Our Treat Me Right campaign also advocates for respectful, inclusive care, which starts with clear communication.
Share this blog with a friend and explore our free tols at womenheart.org/resources
