February marks American Heart Month and the Go Red for Women® campaign—a national initiative led by the American Heart Association to raise awareness about heart disease in women. For many, discussions about women’s health focus on reproductive wellness, cancer screenings, or pregnancy care—and those are important. Yet cardiovascular health is equally critical, impacting women across all ages and life stages and intimately connected with reproductive well-being. At Cary OB/GYN, we believe that educating our patients about heart health is essential to supporting their long-term health and quality of life.
Heart disease is not a “man’s disease.” It is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Despite the magnitude of this risk, many women do not recognize cardiovascular disease as the top threat to their health, nor do they understand how gynecologic and reproductive factors fit into overall heart health.
“The reception was very nice and prompt! Dr. Bopaine is an excellent doctor. She’s always smiling, concerned about my health. She also takes time to listen to me if I have any questions.”
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Heart Disease in Women: A Real and Under-Recognized Threat
Cardiovascular disease encompasses many conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, stroke, and hypertension. Nearly one in five female deaths in the United States is due to heart disease.
A key challenge is that heart disease often presents differently in women than in men. Symptoms may be subtler, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or discomfort in areas like the jaw, neck, or back instead of the classic chest pain, leading to delayed diagnosis or misinterpretation. Women are also more likely to be underdiagnosed and undertreated for cardiovascular conditions, particularly in younger age groups.
Despite this risk, less than 60 percent of women recognize heart disease as their number one killer, underscoring a critical gap in awareness.
The Link Between Cardiovascular and Women’s Health
Understanding how heart health intersects with reproductive and gynecologic health can help women make proactive choices for long-term wellness.
Pregnancy and Future Heart Risk
Pregnancy is a profound physical stress test for the heart and vascular system. Certain pregnancy complications are associated with increased long-term cardiovascular risk, including:
- High blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia)
- Gestational diabetes
- Preterm delivery
Women who experience these conditions are more likely to develop heart disease or stroke later in life. Awareness and follow-up care after these events are essential to reducing future risk.
Hormonal Transitions
Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life—from menarche to menopause—affect heart health. Early menopause (before age 45) has been linked with higher cardiovascular risk, likely due to reduced estrogen, which plays a role in maintaining healthy blood vessels.
Shared Risk Factors
Many of the factors that contribute to gynecologic issues also overlap with cardiovascular risk, including:
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Obesity and physical inactivity
- Smoking and exposure to environmental toxins
- Stress and depression
These conditions not only influence reproductive wellness but also directly affect heart and vascular health, creating a cycle that can undermine overall wellbeing if left unaddressed.
“Dr. Rodrigo was able to diagnose the issue and clearly explained the issue to me as well as potential causes. He also responded to my questions related to the recommendations. He demonstrated knowledge of the issue, the proposed solution and addressed all of my inquiries. I felt confident with his diagnosis and recommendation.’
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Prevention: Heart Health as a Lifelong Priority
The good news is that a significant proportion of cardiovascular disease is preventable with lifestyle changes and proactive care. The Go Red for Women initiative emphasizes not just awareness but action—encouraging women to know their risk and take steps to reduce it.
Know Your Numbers
Regular screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can identify problems early—often before symptoms develop. Understanding these numbers empowers women and clinicians to tailor prevention strategies.
Healthy Habits Every Day
Adopting heart-healthy behaviors benefits women at any age:
- Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports both cardiovascular and reproductive health.
- Regular Physical Activity: At least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise helps reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and support weight management.
- Avoiding Tobacco: Smoking significantly increases cardiovascular risk and has been linked to poorer reproductive outcomes.
- Managing Stress and Sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep are associated with elevated blood pressure and inflammation, key contributors to heart disease.
Personalize Your Care
Women should view their OB/GYN as an integral part of their overall health care team. Regular gynecologic visits are opportunities to discuss cardiovascular risk factors, especially if reproductive health issues—like pregnancy complications or menstrual irregularities—have occurred. These discussions can lead to coordinated care with primary care or cardiology specialists when needed.
Advocacy and Education: A Shared Responsibility
Improving women’s heart health requires a cultural shift in how we talk about cardiovascular risk. Women must be encouraged to speak openly about heart health, to ask questions, and to advocate for comprehensive care. Events, community programs, and awareness campaigns like Go Red for Women play a vital role in reaching women where they live, work, and gather, reinforcing that cardiovascular health matters at every stage of life.
Cardiovascular health is foundational to overall women’s health. When women understand their heart disease risk, recognize symptoms that are unique to them, and take proactive steps to manage that risk, they are better equipped to live full, healthy lives.
At Cary OB/GYN, we are committed to supporting our patients’ whole-body wellness. This Go Red for Women season, we encourage you to learn your risk, engage in heart-healthy habits, and partner with your health care team to protect your heart—today and into the future.