About Heart Disease in Women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Your path to heart health is about more than just your heart.
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Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart and blood vessel disease, is the top health threat for women. Many women are simply not aware of this.

Prevention is key when it comes to heart disease: healthy eating, moving more, reducing stress and managing your health numbers all play a vital role in reducing your risk.

But protecting your heart is only part of the journey. Your heart, your hormones, and your emotional well-being health are all linked. Each of these components can point to signs or clues about cardiovascular disease. Always talk to your care team about your whole health.


Your heart, your hormones and your emotional well-being are all linked.

What should every woman know about heart disease?

The Facts about Women and Heart Disease

Go Red for Women Class of Survivors Katie Moegenberg with the American Heart Association Heart mascot.
Heart disease and stroke can affect any woman, at any age. Knowing the facts can help you take action.

Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

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Good nutrition. Exercise. Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol. These are just a few of the ways you can protect your cardiovascular health.

Living with Cardiovascular Disease

Living with cardiovascular disease can feel overwhelming and isolating, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

How does each stage of life shape your heart health?

Your heart health is shaped across decades. Symptoms, risk factors and health needs change across life stages. Take charge of your health by knowing what to watch for at each stage – and how it can affect your heart.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack and Stroke

Heart attack and stroke are life-or-death emergencies — every second counts. If you think you or someone you’re with has any symptoms of heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately.

Women and CPR

Women need CPR, too! Immediate, high-quality CPR, especially when started within minutes of cardiac arrest, can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
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Heart Valve Disease

Often misdiagnosed in women, heart valve disease is a condition where one or more of the four valves of the heart don’t work as they should. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to being symptom free.

Latest Research in Women's Health

There are important biological differences between men and women. Studying women’s health can help us find better ways to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease in women.
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