Women Veterans and Heart Health
Focusing on heart health is important for every woman — but especially for women military Veterans, who face higher rates of cardiovascular disease than women who have not served.
“It’s common for women to be caregivers for others and neglect to think about themselves,” said Dr. Sally Haskell, Deputy Chief Officer for the Office of Women’s Health in the Veterans Health Administration. “This is true for all women, but we especially want to reach out to women Veterans to remind them to take care of their own health.”
Why are female veterans at risk for heart disease?
Major risk factors for heart disease and stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, stress and family history.
Veterans may have higher rates of some of these risk factors such as smoking and obesity.
Women Veterans face risks for additional reasons:
- Diversity - As a group, women Veterans are more racially and ethnically diverse than civilian women or male Veterans. They often suffer more stress due to many factors.
- Mental Health – Women are more likely than men to report symptoms of stress as well as have conditions like depression and anxiety. Mental health issues that may result from the stresses of military service, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, are more common in women Veterans.
- Sex Differences in Prevention – Women Veterans have unique risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but are less likely to receive preventative education and care, including receiving medications.
- Unhealthy Habits – Women Veterans may adopt poor habits after leaving the military, such unhealthy eating behaviors. They also may also experience barriers to physical activity.
How can women veterans help prevent heart disease?
Women Veterans can take several steps to improve their heart health. Getting preventive care, knowing and managing their health numbers, and working with a healthcare professional to create a healthy-living plan are vital.
A great place to start is by adopting the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8™, the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health.
- Eat Better
- Be More Active
- Quit Tobacco
- Get Healthy Sleep
- Manage Weight
- Control Cholesterol
- Manage Blood Sugar
- Manage Blood Pressure
Life’s Essential 8 for Women is a version that keeps women’s unique health needs in mind.
View the Heart Health for Women Veterans infographic (PDF)
Specialized Support for Women Veterans
Women Veterans should seek health care professionals who understand how their military experience can have lifelong effects on their health, Haskell said. At each VA medical center, a women’s Veterans program manager (advocate) assists women patients, she said. The VA also offers mental health screenings at primary care visits so Veterans can get help quickly. Studies have linked mental illnesses with poorer heart health.
The VA focuses on ensuring women Veterans have the services they need for both their physical and mental health, including education services on topics such as nutrition and diabetes.
Warning signs
- Chest pain is the most common sign of heart attack. Women are more likely to experience other symptoms like unexplained tiredness, nausea or vomiting.
- Stroke signs include face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty. Additional stroke symptoms in women may include fatigue, disorientation, confusion, memory problems, nausea or vomiting.
If any of these warning signs are present, don’t wait – call 911.
“The best advice is for women to pay attention to their bodies and any symptoms they are having,” Haskell said. “If something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to get medical care.”
