Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among American women, yet widespread misconceptions and overlooked symptoms continue to put millions at risk.
The threat is even more pronounced for Black women, who face significantly higher risks of cardiovascular complications during pregnancy and throughout their lives, according to experts and data from the American Heart Association.
“Many people still believe that cancers like breast cancer are the top killers of women,” said Dr. Vanessa Turner, an interventional cardiologist at Metro Health. “But the evidence shows that heart disease claims more women’s lives than any other condition.”
One major issue is that women often fail to recognize or properly interpret heart attack warning signs, frequently mistaking them for less serious ailments.
“Women might brush off chest pain as indigestion, while men are more likely to seek help for similar symptoms,” Turner said. “But women’s heart attack symptoms can also include shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness, and nausea, which are easy to overlook.”
Another barrier is the tendency for women to put their families’ health needs before their own, often delaying or forgoing care.
“In our culture, women are often the caregivers, prioritizing the health of partners and children before thinking about themselves,” Turner said. “If we aren’t asking ourselves whether our symptoms are serious, we’re unlikely to bring them up to our doctors.”
Data from the American Heart Association reveals that Black women are three times more likely to die during or soon after pregnancy compared to Hispanic women, and face significantly higher mortality rates than white women.
“Access to quality care is still lower for Black Americans,” Turner explained. “Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking are more common in Black communities, and there are clear disparities in how heart disease is identified and treated.”
Turner also noted that postmenopausal women are at heightened risk.
“The likelihood of heart problems increases in women after menopause,” she said.
However, Turner emphasized that early intervention can save lives. Managing blood pressure, controlling diabetes, avoiding smoking, and keeping up with regular wellness checks can help identify risk factors before they become life-threatening.
For women experiencing potential heart attack symptoms, Turner urged immediate action.
“It’s always better to be cautious,” she said. “If you think you might be having a heart attack, see a cardiologist or go to the emergency room right away. Let a medical professional rule it out rather than waiting at home.”
Turner encouraged women to speak up for themselves during medical appointments.
“Most healthcare providers want to help prevent heart disease,” she said. “Prevention is always more effective than treatment when it comes to saving lives.”
