Improve Your Cardiovascular Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most ethnic groups in the United States. But fortunately, it’s largely preventable.
February is American Heart Month, which is an important time to focus on ways to improve your cardiovascular health. Learn more about how heart disease impacts different demographics as well as what you can do to lower your risk and protect your heart.
What Women Need to Know About Heart Disease
People may not realize that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, since women typically get heart disease about 10 years after men. This is because up until menopause, the ovaries produce estrogen, which provides some protection against cardiovascular disease.
The CDC reports that over 60 million women (44%) are living with some form of heart disease, many of whom are undiagnosed or don’t have any symptoms. Heart disease is particularly dangerous for women because some of the signs, symptoms and risk factors are different than they are for men. Some risk factors like obesity, metabolic syndrome and depression are more common in women, and hormonal birth control can increase the risk of heart disease for women who are over 35 or have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.
Women are two times more likely than men to die after a heart attack, in part due to delayed recognition, diagnosis and treatment. (Women are more likely to have silent heart attacks, or heart attacks without obvious symptoms.) The most common heart attack symptoms for both women and men are pain and discomfort in the chest and upper body. However, there are certain atypical symptoms that are more common in women than men, including:
- Pain in the back, neck, jaw or throat
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
Women who experience these symptoms, especially those at an increased risk of heart disease, should call 911 right away. Anyone with heart attack symptoms should not drive themselves to the hospital as they may need medical help along the way.
Reduce Your Risk of Developing Cardiovascular Disease
Some risk factors that contribute to heart disease are outside of your control, such as genetics or age, but others can be addressed by being proactive about your health.
- Check your blood pressure and report elevated readings to your doctor
- Quit smoking
- Test your cholesterol and triglycerides
- Talk to your doctor about getting tested for diabetes and controlling risk factors
- Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week
- Avoid foods high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol
- Limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two for men
- Find healthy ways to deal with stress
Heart Disease and Black Americans
Cardiovascular disease affects some demographics more than others. For example, 47% of Black adults have been diagnosed with heart disease, compared to 36% of white Americans. Researchers have found that this disparity is primarily due to social factors, which include an individual’s ability to access:
- Money and resources
- Quality healthcare and insurance
- Well-paying employment
- Quality education
- A safe living environment
- Nutritious and fresh foods
- Supportive relationships
Chronic stress negatively impacts a person’s health in the long term. It causes the adrenal glands to release the hormone cortisol, which, over time, can raise blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar and blood pressure. This ultimately increases the risk of heart disease.
Though stress is common among all Americans, Black Americans may face higher levels of stress due to factors like racism, prejudice, institutional inequities and unfair treatment in school, healthcare and workplace environments. In fact, a 2020 Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that over 70% of Black Americans reported experiencing racial discrimination or mistreatment during their lifetimes—with nearly half saying that they felt like their life was in danger at some point because of their race.
The stress of discrimination can have significant health consequences, which is why it’s especially important for Black Americans to take care of their heart health. Finding a healthcare provider who is trustworthy, empathetic and free of bias is key. Many Black people feel more comfortable with Black doctors, and there are resources available to help connect patients with black healthcare providers, such as: