Medical groups launch new framework for women's heart health

Heart disease remains leading cause of death for U.S. women

The American Heart Association reports that cardiovascular disease and stroke result in over 400,000 deaths among American women each year.

Only 41 percent of women identify cardiovascular disease as their greatest health threat.

Four life stages defined by hormonal changes

The new framework categorizes cardiovascular health considerations into four distinct life stages based on hormonal changes to help providers address risk factors before disease develops. Perimenopause, the transition phase to menopause, typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 51.

Pregnancy is a critical cardiovascular stress test

The new framework classifies pregnancy as a biological stress test because it can reveal previously hidden cardiovascular risks. Cardiovascular risk factors for women fluctuate throughout their lives, particularly during pregnancy.

Conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy raise a woman's long-term risk for heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. This risk remains even if those health issues resolve after delivery.

Women should disclose their pregnancy history to healthcare providers regardless of the time elapsed. This includes complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, eclampsia, or high blood pressure.

Atypical symptoms and early screening are vital

Heart disease risk factors for women can begin as early as their first menstrual period. Researchers are observing that differences in heart health between the sexes often appear well before a cardiac event occurs.

Women may experience atypical symptoms or unique triggers for heart disease compared to men. These differences can delay diagnosis and treatment for female patients.

Preventive screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar should begin once menstrual cycles and hormone patterns are established.

Patients should track these metrics and consult doctors about testing frequency. They must also discuss whether hormonal shifts might be causing negative changes in their health.

Menstrual health and family history impact long-term risk

A woman's full medical history, including pregnancy, menstrual, and family history, contributes to the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and coronary disease. Discussing family history is important because a mother's health story has direct implications for a woman’s own cardiovascular risk.

Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding can be a sign of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, which is associated with cardiovascular risk. This condition was formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS.

As women approach menopause, they should report any menstrual cycle changes to their healthcare provider. This includes noting instances of irregular or heavy bleeding.

Lifestyle habits and emotional health influence cardiovascular outcomes

Maintaining heart health involves building specific daily habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritiously, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco. Women can better support their cardiovascular health by receiving education on how their hormones, diet, weight, and physical activity interact.

Emotional health issues, including eating disorders, depression, and anxiety, should be discussed with healthcare providers because they can influence overall health and cardiovascular risk. New guidance encourages interdisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, which patients can facilitate by sharing their comprehensive health history during routine appointments.

Expert guidance on preventing heart disease

More than 80 percent of these events are preventable with early action. Stony Brook provides a free heart health risk assessment for individuals to better understand their cardiovascular status.

Dr. Laura A. Wolfe-McCaffrey, DO, FACC, has been with North Suffolk Cardiology since 2017. She is a noninvasive cardiologist board certified in nuclear cardiology, cardiovascular disease, adult comprehensive echocardiography, and internal medicine.

Dr.

Stony Brook Midwives have provided care to families and women for 30 years.