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How Women’s Cardiovascular Risks Change Throughout Their Lives
02/12/26
Women's Heart Health
Understanding Women’s Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Cumulative Risk
Cardiovascular risk begins at birth and continues through all stages of a woman's lifetime. There are several lifestyle modifications you can make to lower your risk for heart and vascular disease. Click here for a printable version of this resources to discuss your risk factors with your primary care physician.
Youth
Smoking and use of e-cigs
Smoking causes 1 of 3 deaths from CVD
Smoking combined with birth control pills
The combination increases risk by 20%
Pregnancy conditions
Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and pregnancy- induced hypertension lead to higher risk
Delivered premature or low birth-weight baby
Less than 37 weeks or 5#, 8oz; ~1.5x increased risk of CVD
Pregnancy weight not lost
After one year increases risk
Midlife
Elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol
Nearly 1 in 4 women have high LDL cholesterol
Depression
Higher incidence in young women; depression leads to greater risk
Autoimmune disorders
Lupus & rheumatoid arthritis significantly increases risk
Type 2 diabetes
2-3x more likely to have CVD
Later Life
Menopause
Early menopause (under 45 years) leads to 4-5x greater CVD risk
Cancer treatment
Link between cancer treatment and CVD
High blood pressure
Nearly 1 in 2 women have high blood pressure or are taking blood pressure medication
Stroke
Greater risk for a stroke when you are 60+ years of age
Risk factors regardless of age include:
- Social Isolation/Loneliness
- Racism
- Sexism
- Educational Opportunities
- Access to Nutrition
- Access to Healthcare
- Socioeconomic Status
- Neighborhood
The display is intended to depict heart disease risk factors across a woman’s lifetime. Risk is cumulative, increases with age and is impacted by many factors, including social realities.
Take Note of Your Cardiovascular Risks
Know Your Risk
In addition to traditional CVD risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes), it’s important to understand all risks. Consider checking the risk factors you’d like to learn more about. Tear this portion off and use it to talk with your doctor about actions to reduce your risk.
- Autoimmune Disorder (lupus and rheumatoid arthritis)
- Cancer Treatment
- Depression
- Menopause
- Smoker (current or former)
- Pregnancy Complications (high blood pressure during pregnancy, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, delivered a preterm baby)
Know Heart Attack Symptoms
Call 911 within 5 minutes if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Chest Discomfort
- Shortness of Breath
- Discomfort or Radiating Pain (in neck, jaw, arms, back or stomach)
- Sweating at Rest
- Anxiety or Panic (for no apparent reason)
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Severe Indigestion or Vomiting
Reduce Your Risk
A heart healthy lifestyle is the foundation to decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease. Think about small improvements you can make and build on them over time to achieve improved health.
Eat Heart Healthy
Incorporate more plant-based foods, whole grains and healthy fats. Reduce intake of sodium, added sugars and meat, particularly red or processed meats.
Be Active
Aim for 150 minutes of activity each week. If 30 minutes of daily continuous activity is challenging, consider three 10-minute sessions throughout the day.
Maintain a Strong Network of Family and Friends
Social connections have many health benefits, including improved mood and lower levels of anxiety and depression.
Avoid Tobacco Exposure
Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health. Avoid chewing and second-hand smoke as well.
Practice Positive Actions to Manage Stress
Taking time to relax and unwind can help lower blood pressure and improve sleep.
Sleep 7-8 Hours Each Night
Studies have shown that too little or too much sleep can increase your risk of heart disease.
The more women understand their personal risk—and take actions to manage it—the better their chances of preventing serious events like heart attack and stroke. Visit the Penny Anderson Women’s Cardiovascular Center for more resources.
