Ir al contenido principal
  • Español
American Heart Association Go Red for Women
American Heart Association Go Red For Women
  • Ataques cardíacos y síntomas de ACV en mujeres
  • Voluntario/a
  • TIENDA
  • DONAR AHORA
  • DONAR
  • site search Buscar
    Buscar
  • Las cardiopatías en las mujeres
  • Conozca su riesgo
  • Vida saludable
  • Etapas de la vida
  • Involúcrese
  • Acerca de nosotros
  • En su comunidad
  • Signos de alarma
  • Voluntario/a
  • TIENDA
    • English
    • Español

It’s American Heart Month: What every woman should know about heart health

(FatCamera/E+, Getty Images)

Heart disease is the nation's leading killer of women. But paying attention to risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle can help keep heart disease at bay.

"It's an equal opportunity killer," said Dr. Jennifer Mieres, a professor of cardiology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York. "Women in mid-life are definitely at the highest risk. It's a volatile time for women, as the menopause transition is marked by changes in body composition, fat distribution and an increase in cholesterol levels."

Among women, 90% have one or more risk factors for heart disease at some point in their lives, according to American Heart Association statistics. Yet 80% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable.

Get annual checkups

It's important to get annual checkups to assess heart-health risk and take action, Mieres said. Don't let fear of COVID-19 keep you away from annual visits.
Prepare for the appointment, much as you would when gathering documents to meet with a financial adviser.

"You go to your accountant at tax time, and you don't show up empty-handed," she said. Be prepared to discuss any family history of heart disease or other concerns. "You should not be passive. You should have a conversation."

Become knowledgeable of your key health numbers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. For example, blood pressure of less than 120/80 is considered normal.

Know the symptoms of a heart attack

Women's heart attack symptoms may cover a wider spectrum compared with symptoms in men. Women may experience the "classic" heart attack symptoms of chest pressure, chest discomfort or shortness of breath, just as men do.

"But women also may have symptoms such as back pain, usually on the left side; shoulder pain; a fullness in the stomach; or nausea as signs of an impending heart attack," cautioned Mieres. She is an executive producer of the documentary Ms. Diagnosed, which focuses on inequities in women's cardiovascular disease care.

Tell your doctor if you had a pregnancy complication

Recent research has focused on heart disease linked to pregnancy-related complications. Diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy as well as early delivery have been linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk years later.

"Pregnancy is a stress test" for the body, a possible marker for heart disease later in life, said Mieres.

Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep – getting less than six or seven hours a night – is connected to heart disease, research has shown. Poor sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, can make it difficult to lose weight and may make you less likely to want to exercise.

Tame stress

Chronic stress is another area of concern for women. It can lead to behaviors and factors that impact heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactivity and overeating.
To cope with stress, eat healthy foods, exercise and get plenty of sleep. Consider talking to others about your stress, including a friend, parent, doctor or counselor.

Find a health partner

In all heart-healthy efforts, it helps to have a partner in the endeavor, Mieres said.

Work with a health care professional to find a customized treatment plan that fits your daily life and medical needs. A friend, family member or co-worker also can be a good partner for getting physically active and sticking with a healthy eating plan.

"It's OK if you fall off the wagon. You have that person to help you get back on track," said Mieres. "There is strength in numbers."


Última revisión: nov. 10, 2020

X formerly known as Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email Print

Beyond the Table

Beyond the Table
  • Stories
    • Sepsis is a serious but misunderstood heart threat
    • 10,000 steps a day: Uncovering the origin behind the popular walking goal
    • AED: a crucial tool in cardiac arrest
    • Beat the heat: Strategies to protect your heart and brain
    • Benefits of losing weight may abide even if pounds return
    • Cuff size matters in blood pressure readings
    • Do this and ward off both breast cancer and heart disease
    • Don’t ignore the quality of relationships when considering the link between good health and marriage
    • Eat healthier in 2023
    • Embrace the holiday spirit with these simple wellness strategies
    • Essential vitamins and minerals during pregnancy linked to reduced risk of high blood pressure
    • Expert tips to help avoid holiday stress and stay healthy
    • It’s American Heart Month: What every woman should know about heart health
    • Fish oil supplements may be more popular than beneficial
    • Healthy substitutions elevate holiday drinks
    • High blood pressure during pregnancy poses risks for mother and child
    • Secondhand smoke worse for children than many people think
    • How the Body Roundness Index offers new insights into cardiovascular risk
    • How to fit walking into any schedule
    • Is winter dehydration sneaking up on you?
    • It’s American Heart Month: What every woman should know about heart health
    • It's never too early for a healthy diet
    • Learn CPR and be prepared to save a life anywhere
    • Less salt leads the changes in school lunches
    • Let music step up your exercise program
    • Lifestyle changes key to reducing increased risks for heart disease as women age
    • Millions of U.S. households with children affected by food insecurity, survey finds
    • Nearly 1 in 4 young U.S. adults
    • Not just extra calories: Sugary drinks may boost risk of heart disease
    • Research confirms link between early menopause, higher ischemic stroke risk
    • Secondhand smoke worse for children than many people think
    • Sip and snack: The best foods to boost your hydration
    • Spring into a new exercise routine
    • Spring into better health
    • Study narrows focus on pregnancy complications and stroke
    • Study reveals lower cardiac rehabilitation attendance among Asian, Black and Hispanic adults
    • Not just extra calories: Sugary drinks may boost risk of heart disease
    • Summer boredom can spark creativity and learning through play in kids
    • Teens targeted by e-cig industry on new path to nicotine addiction
    • The fight against youth vaping: Programs, research and school strategies
    • There's a gender split in mini-stroke diagnosis
    • This volunteer does better by doing good
    • Understanding seasonal depression and how to cope with it
    • Weigh the benefits of a regular bedtime
    • What people with heart conditions should know now about COVID-19
    • Lend an ear: Why corn on the cob belongs at your cookout
    • Women and men are (not quite) equals on heart transplants
    • Prioritizing care for others, women often neglect their own health
    • Women's quality of life after stroke is worse than men — age may be a major factor.
Mom and son cooking in kitchen

Únase al movimiento Go Red For Women y obtenga nuestro libro digital de recetas Shop Smart, Eat Smart mientras quedan existencias.

Viva su mejor vida conociendo el riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardíacas y adoptando medidas para reducirlo. Podemos ayudarla.

Nombre obligatorio

Apellido obligatorio

Correo electrónico obligatorio

Código postal obligatorio

CVS Health es un orgulloso promotor nacional del movimiento Go Red For Women de la American Heart Association.
Goredforwomen.org/es es posible gracias al generoso apoyo del Fondo Adriana Gallardo Legacy para la salud de la mujer.

* La American Heart Association revisó y aprobó toda la información médica y de salud de este sitio web conforme a investigaciones científicas y a las directrices de la American Heart Association. Obtenga más información sobre nuestro proceso editorial de contenido.

American Heart Association

National Center
7272 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75231

Customer Service
1-800-AHA-USA-1
1-800-242-8721

Contact Us

Hours
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. CT 
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT
Closed on Sundays

Tax Identification Number
13-5613797

Acerca de nosotros

  • Acerca de la AHA/ASA
  • Informe anual
  • Información financiera de la AHA
  • Carreras
  • Programas internacionales
  • Últimas noticias sobre salud cardíaca y derrames cerebrales
  • Sala de prensa de la AHA/ASA

Involúcrese

  • Donar ahora
  • Haga un regalo conmemorativo
  • Defensa
  • Distintas formas de donar
  • Voluntario/a
  • ShopHeart
  • ShopCPR

Nuestros centros

  • American Heart Association
  • American Stroke Association
  • RCP y ACE
  • Noticias sobre salud cardíaca para profesionales
  • Más sitios
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Threads
  • X formerly known as Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Tik Tok
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • National Health Council
  • Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity
  • Charity Navigator
  • Secured by Sectigo
×
American Heart Association

Estevínculo solo se proporciona para mayor conveniencia y no constituye una aprobación de la entidad vinculada ni de ningún producto o servicio.

Continuar
  • Carreras profesionales en la AHA
  • Política de privacidad
  • Renuncia de responsabilidad de recomendaciones médicas
  • Declaración de accesibilidad
  • Política de derechos de autor
  • Política de ética
  • Política sobre conflictos de intereses
  • Política de enlaces
  • Whistleblower Policy
  • Pautas de contenido editorial
  • Proveedores
  • Avisos de recaudación de fondos estatales


©2025 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
The American Heart Association is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
*Red Dress ™ DHHS, Go Red ™ AHA ; National Wear Red Day® is a registered trademark.