Read more about the heart health risks women face, share them with someone you care about, and learn more about how to live a heart-healthy life.
Both women and men face certain heart health risk factors – many that are related to lifestyle choices – but some risks affect women differently. Moreover, there are risks unique to women, so whether you’re a woman or care about one, learn the facts and share them to help more women live heart-healthy lives.
Smoking cigarettes can make you 2 to 4 times more likely to get heart disease than nonsmokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke also puts you more at risk for heart disease, including heart attack or stroke.
Women are generally affected by heart issues an average of 10 years later in life than men, but their advantage only applies to those who don’t have diabetes. It’s a major heart attack and stroke risk factor, so managing your risk as a diabetic is one of the smartest heart-healthy moves you can make.
Exercising on a regular basis can make a big difference in heart health, reducing risk of heart disease and even helping you control high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends at least 2.5 hours of weekly, moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week — or a combination of both — spread throughout the week, preferably. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin any exercise routine, and then get started with the basics.
Study data suggests that metabolic syndrome is the greatest risk women face. It includes having high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, excess weight in the midsection, and high blood sugar. If you have one or more of these, work with your doctor to help make lifestyle changes such as being more active, eating healthier, and “watching your numbers” (keeping cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure in check).
It’s true being older increases risk, but heart attacks can happen to anyone at any age. Young, old or somewhere in between, heart health for all women should be an important concern. Women after menopause need to watch their cholesterol levels because lower estrogen can raise “bad” cholesterol. And all women need to work with their doctors to know and manage their own risks – especially since compared to men, women are 2 times to die after experiencing a heart attack.
If someone in your family had a heart attack, you may be more at risk – but not always. That’s why it’s important to know the specific risks you face and work with your health care providers to manage them.
Certain groups – African-Americans, Hispanics, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and some Asians or Pacific Islanders – tend to be more likely to have heart attacks. Like other risks you can’t control, however, focusing on the risks you’re able to control go a long way toward managing the racial or ethnic risks.
If you had high blood pressure, including preeclampsia-eclampsia, or diabetes during pregnancy, there’s a chance you could develop heart health issues in the long-term. As with other risks you can’t control, it’s important to work with your doctor to understand all your risks. Control the ones you can with lifestyle changes while managing the ones you can’t with medical treatment.
Whether it’s work, family, or just life in general, stress, depression and anxiety can take a toll. While it may be a challenge to find the right mix of approaches that work, taking care of your mental health is taking care of your heart health.
The link between age, blood pressure, stress and heart attacks is well known. Learn about these and other factors that can impact your risk.
If you take medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, they may not be enough to protect you from having another heart attack or clot-related (ischemic) stroke. Find out more to discuss with your doctor.
Learn how a doctor-directed aspirin regimen may help prevent another heart attack or clot-related (ischemic) stroke.
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
Find out how your family history can impact your heart – and how you can work with your doctor to manage your risks.
Get information on the link between diabetes and heart disease and what you can do to limit your risks.
Get simple tips that can help you remember to take your medication.
Get tips and answers to some questions designed to help you have a productive dialogue at your next appointment.
After a heart attack, you may feel a little lost. Arm yourself with some questions to ask the doctor during your visit.
Explore this resource to help understand the terminology your doctor uses – so you can have more meaningful discussions.
Exercising with a partner can be as fun as it is good for your heart. Get some ideas for exercises you can add to your routine, and share them with the people you care about.
Get tips on creating an exercise routine that will help you build strength and endurance.
From how to mix up your exercise routine to the importance of accountability, our simple tips can help you stay on plan.
Check out some fun activities and workout ideas that can help make your workouts something you'll look forward to.
From exercises to emotional support – learn what to expect from a cardiac rehabilitation program.
Find out what foods to include in your heart healthy diet. There are lots of heart healthy foods that are also delicious!
After a heart attack, you don't have to go it alone. With local and online heart attack support groups, help is available. And don’t forget about your family, friends, and healthcare providers.
Read about the relationship between depression and heart disease, and why it's so important to get help.
Learn about heart disease in women. Take our quiz on women's heart health to learn about the risk factors, signs and symptoms of heart attacks in women.
Common risk factors that cause heart attacks in women include diabetes, genetics, and more. Learn from our Infographic on heart attack risk factors in women.
MANAGING RISK:
If you take prescription medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, they may not be enough to protect your heart. Talk to your doctor about whether these medications are enough for you and whether adding an aspirin regimen can help further reduce the risk of another heart attack or clot-related (ischemic) stroke.
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
"I am thankful for each day and the opportunities it brings to share my experiences with others."
"I’ve changed my diet to minimize fat and salt. I’m learning to read labels and make healthy choices."
"It all comes down to listening – the cardiologists listening to us, and not just with their stethoscopes – and us listening to the cardiologists. Without both of these, there are no winners!"
"I now take a low dose Bayer Aspirin regimen, and I was told that the aspirin I was given during my heart attack helped save my life! Thanks for being there for me Bayer!"
Bayer® Aspirin is available in a variety of doses and forms.
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1 This tool is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, medical advice, or medical treatment. Contact your healthcare provider after using the tool to discuss your heart health or if you have any health concerns.
2 Estimated risk of a cardiovascular event, specifically, the risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) or stroke in the next five years.
