Women’s Heart Health: Actions Today for a Healthier Future
A recent scientific statement from the American Heart Association shows that the number of women and girls who may face heart problems is expected to grow over the next two and half decades. But here’s an important message: We can help prevent cardiovascular disease — starting now — for a healthier future.
Taking small steps toward making healthy habits and support from family and community can make a difference.
How Can Girls Have Healthy Hearts?
The scientific statement found that by 2050 more girls may have obesity or not get enough activity. How can we turn things around? Start with small steps and start early in life. Kids and teens who develop healthy routines now are more likely to stay healthy as adults.
What are Heart-Healthy Habits for Women?
Reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke is the best and easiest way to keep hearts strong. Prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. Every healthy choice — no matter how small — can help your heart.
The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8™ for Women are key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Supporting good heart and brain health at any age helps lower the risk for cardiovascular diseases and other major health problems later in life.
Here are eight ways to keep healthy:
- Eat Better
- Be More Active
- Quit Tobacco
- Get Healthy Sleep
- Manage Weight
- Control Cholesterol
- Manage Blood Sugar
- Manage Blood Pressure
How Can Women Prevent Heart Problems?
One of the easiest and most powerful ways to keep your heart healthy is by preventing problems before they start.
- Scheduling annual wellness visits with a health professional and knowing your numbers including your blood pressure, blood glucose and BMI are important ways to establish a baseline for personal health.
- Learning your family health history if you can and sharing that with your health professional can help anticipate your future risk for cardiovascular disease.
- Using simple tools including fitness apps, reminders to take medicine or meal planning apps can help you stay on track with healthy habits.
How Should Women Manage High Blood Pressure, Diabetes or Obesity?
Some conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity don’t have to lead to heart problems. They often can be managed especially when they’re caught and treated early. Certain life stages women experience such as pregnancy or menopause may also put them at risk of these conditions making it critical to monitor your heart health during these times.
Women should have regular check-ins with their health care teams. Team-based care, long-term support and digital tools (including telehealth and home monitoring) can make it easier to manage these conditions.
How Do Women’s Health Concerns Change Over Time?
Women’s bodies change throughout life, and each stage offers a chance to spot risks early and stay healthy. Each stage also is an opportunity to make heart-healthy choices to reduce risk for heart disease and stroke.
Childhood and Teen Years: Growing bodies need healthy food, movement and good sleep. Learning about how the body works at a young age can help set strong habits. Did you know that girls who get their first period very early may have a higher risk of heart issues as adults? Talk to your own health care professional as well as your daughter’s pediatrician about menstrual history as part of routine care.
Pregnancy: Women need strong, connected care before, during and after pregnancy to protect both heart health and overall health. Pregnancy related cardiovascular issues can occur up to one-year postpartum. Regular checkups help moms and babies stay safe.
Menopause: During later years, women’s hormones and body change during menopause. Research continues to explore how lifestyle changes and hormone therapy may support heart health. As we age, eating well, staying active and checking blood pressure and cholesterol continue to be key factors to staying healthy.
A Hopeful Future Starts With Us
This scientific statement is a reminder that we have the power to create a future where women and girls are healthier, stronger and better supported.
By understanding the risks, making small changes and lifting each other up, we can help prevent heart disease and protect millions of women and girls for years to come.
