Women are not a monolith when it comes to heart disease. Age, gender, and a wide array of chronic conditions intersect to shape each woman’s risk, symptoms, and access to care. This Healthy Aging Month and in the lead-up to World Heart Day (September 29), we’re exploring how these factors converge—and what women can do to stay heart-healthy at every stage of life.
Age and the Heart
As women age, their risk for heart disease increases. Estrogen, which helps protect the heart, declines after menopause. This can lead to:
- Higher blood pressure
- Increased LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Greater arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction
However, heart disease can begin much earlier in life. Research shows that risk factors like obesity, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol are increasingly common in women under 50. Preventive care and early screening can make a significant difference.
Gender-Specific Risks
Women face unique biological and social risk factors, many of which are not well understood or sufficiently addressed in clinical practice:
- Pregnancy-related conditions: Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth increase future heart disease risk.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is linked to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and inflammation—all of which elevate cardiovascular risk.
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are more prevalent in women and are independently associated with heart disease.
Social determinants also play a role. Women are more likely to be caregivers, delay seeking care, or be misdiagnosed due to differences in symptom presentation.
Chronic Conditions That Compound Risk
Several chronic health issues have direct or indirect impacts on heart health:
- Sickle Cell Disease: Especially common in Black women, this inherited disorder causes abnormal blood cells that can block vessels and damage the heart. Chronic inflammation and anemia further strain the cardiovascular system.
- Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): ITP patients are at significantly increased risk for cardiovascular complications. The disease can lead to bleeding disorders, platelet dysfunction, and inflammation.
- Sepsis: Survivors of sepsis face a heightened risk for cardiovascular issues including heart failure, arrhythmias, and blood clots. Inflammatory responses during infection can cause long-term damage to the heart.
- Celiac Disease: Untreated celiac disease can lead to nutrient deficiencies that impact heart muscle function. Research also shows links between celiac disease and cardiomyopathy.
- HIV/AIDS and Aging: Women aging with HIV face 1.5 to 2 times the risk of heart disease. Inflammation, medication side effects, and immune changes contribute to this elevated risk.
Intersectionality in Care
Understanding the intersection of these conditions with age and gender is critical for providing equitable care. Unfortunately, many women are misdiagnosed or dismissed when they report heart-related symptoms. This delay in care can lead to worse outcomes.
Health providers must be trained to recognize sex-specific symptoms, account for comorbidities, and consider the whole patient—not just isolated lab values.
What Women Can Do
- Be Your Own Advocate
- Speak up during appointments. Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals or second opinions.
- Know Your Numbers
- Keep track of your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight. Monitor changes over time.
- Share Your Full History
- Mention any family history, autoimmune conditions, pregnancy complications, infections, or chronic illnesses. These are critical for an accurate risk assessment.
- Find Community
- Join a WomenHeart Support Network to connect with others who understand your experience. Peer support can help reduce anxiety, improve treatment adherence, and build confidence.
- Stay Informed
- Sign up for our newsletter, follow our events, and engage with our educational resources.
Every Woman Deserves Heart Health
No matter your age, background, or health history, you deserve care that sees you fully. Heart disease is complex, but with the right knowledge, support, and advocacy, it can be managed—and in many cases, even prevented.
This World Heart Day, let’s celebrate the power of women taking charge of their heart health. Share your story. Lift up others. And let’s continue pushing for equity, awareness, and action.
#HealthyAgingMonth #WorldHeartDay #WomenHeartStrong