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When it comes to cardiovascular disease the risk factors are different in women than in men. It's the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., accounting for about 1 in every 5 female deaths. Yet a lot of women don't know. According to the American Heart Association, only 44% of women recognized heart disease as their top health threat in 2019, down from 65% just a decade earlier.
That gap in awareness makes education even more critical. By understanding those differences, women can be more empowered to take preventive measures and take control of their health. We consulted with Cheryl Burdette, ND, an expert in naturopathic health, to get her expert advice on what women need to know about their heart health at every stage of life:
1. Recognize the Impact of Stress on the Heart
Women are often more sensitive to the effects of stress. When the body produces stress hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine, it signals blood vessels to constrict, contributing directly to elevated blood pressure. That’s why stress management isn’t optional, it’s essential for heart health.
2. Know the Hormonal Clues
Hormones aren’t just about reproductive health. They also carry important clues about cardiovascular risk. Certain conditions and symptoms related to hormonal imbalance can signal an elevated risk:
· Gestational diabetes
· Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
· PMS symptoms
· Menopausal symptoms such as frequent hot flashes
These experiences can be early indicators of metabolic or cardiovascular vulnerabilities and should prompt proactive monitoring and support.
3. Understand That Menopause Can Shift Your Risk
As women transition through menopause, fluctuating estrogen levels can increase cardiovascular risk. Women who experience more intense or frequent menopausal symptoms may also have a higher likelihood of heart-related issues. Paying attention to these changes can help guide personalized prevention strategies.
4. Remember, There’s No One Size Fits All Solution.
Cardiovascular disease doesn’t show up the same way in everyone. For women, that means looking beyond traditional risk factors and considering hormonal history, stress response, and symptom patterns as part of a comprehensive heart health plan.
The Takeaway
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women but it’s also one of the most preventable. The key? Taking proactive steps long before symptoms arise. From hormone shifts to stress sensitivity, women face unique risk factors that can start early and evolve with age. The more women understand these patterns, the more empowered they are to protect long-term heart health, starting now.
About Dr. Burdette:
Cheryl Burdette, ND, is the Director of Education at Progressive Medical Center which hosts a Naturopathic residency, at one of the largest integrative clinics in the Southeast. She is the co-founder of Precision Point Diagnostics, a laboratory that focuses on gut-based health and wellness. There she designs clinical profiles and trains clinicians on their utilization.
Dr. Burdette has a rich history in the integrative medicine laboratory space. She designed and teaches the clinical curriculum for Origins Incubator, a practice management group, that has helped to launch many successful practitioners. Her passion is teaching about the practice of Integrative and Naturopathic Medicine, to increase awareness of evidenced-based natural therapies, and to both rule in and rule out tools that are effective for in-patient care.