For decades, heart disease was widely viewed as a man’s disease. That misconception lingered until the early 2000s, when research found that heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Today, heart disease remains the number one health threat to women, yet awareness is still low.
As February marks American Heart Month, cardiologists and advocates are urging women to start conversations about heart health. Dr. Tracy Stevens, a cardiologist at Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center in Kansas City, says Heart Month provides an opportunity to engage friends and family in those discussions.
“I think we should be heart healthy all year long, but it’s February that we have an opportunity to put on a little color of red and ask people, why am I wearing red today?” Stevens said. “Start the conversation. Empower other people with what you know. Learn and share your knowledge.”
Friday, Feb. 6, is National Wear Red Day, which kicks off Heart Month activities and serves as a reminder of the unique ways heart disease affects women. Despite progress in education and research, studies show that only 56% of women in the United States recognize heart disease as their number one killer.
Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in women over age 35, and heart illnesses overall are more prevalent in women than many realize. Heart disease is the number one health threat for women with an estimated 43.8 million women living with or at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and conditions unique to women is critical. Pregnancy, for example, places significant stress on the heart, and certain forms of birth control can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of blood clots.
Women who experienced high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy, received chemotherapy or radiation cancer treatment, and those with polycystic ovary syndrome are at increased risk for heart disease. Smoking compounds those risks even further.
IN RECENT years, obesity has added another layer of concern. “The obesity epidemic went up in 2010, especially in young women,” noted Stevens. Excess weight increases strain on the heart and blood vessels and raises the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which elevate the risk of heart disease.
Regular physical activity supports heart health by improving blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. The American Heart Association recommends doing 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous, aerobic activity every week.
According to Stevens, preventive care is the most effective way to combat these risks, and one simple habit can make a major difference. She notes that monitoring blood pressure should be a priority for everyone.
“We often make the mistake of thinking that if we feel well, our blood pressure must be fine,” Stevens said. “It is the silent killer and monitoring it is the single most important action you can take to protect your heart. Heart disease does not discriminate – it can affect all women.”
Because high blood pressure often has no symptoms, regular checks at a doctor’s office, pharmacy, or at home are essential. “If you want to share a gift for Valentine’s Day, an at-home blood pressure cuff is a really good gift,” Stevens said.
Beyond monitoring blood pressure, Stevens recommends several lifestyle steps to reduce the risk of heart attack. Choosing healthy foods and drinks is “foundational,” says Stevens. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, limiting processed foods, and reducing saturated and trans fats can help control cholesterol. Lowering sodium intake can reduce blood pressure, while limiting sugar helps manage blood glucose and prevent diabetes. Drinking less alcohol may also lower blood pressure.
AVOIDING tobacco is also important. Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease, and quitting can quickly begin to reverse that risk. For women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, working with a health care provider to manage these conditions can dramatically reduce the likelihood of future heart problems.
Stevens has spent decades advocating for women’s cardiovascular health. In addition to being a cardiologist, she is also the Medical Director of Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center — the first women’s heart center of its kind in the nation — and a nationally recognized leader in advancing awareness, research, and care for women’s hearts. She also sees patients locally at Allen County Regional Hospital.
As Heart Month begins, Stevens encourages women to take the message beyond red clothing and awareness days. Start the conversation, share reliable information, and take small, preventive steps that can save lives.
