February is Heart Month: Prioritizing Heart Health for Women
February is Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and empowering individuals—especially women—to take charge of their heart health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, yet many are unaware of their personal risk factors. This month, let’s focus on understanding heart health, recognizing the warning signs, and making lifestyle changes that can lead to a stronger, healthier heart.
Why Heart Health Matters for Women
Heart disease is often labeled a "man's disease," yet it remains the leading cause of death for women worldwide. This misconception is not just misleading—it’s dangerous. Women experience heart attacks differently than men, which often leads to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Instead of the classic chest pain, women may experience:
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Unusual fatigue
Pain in the back, jaw, or shoulders
Too often, these symptoms are dismissed as anxiety, stress, or even just being "hormonal." I’ve had this conversation with my wife many times, and she always says, "They just assume we’re overreacting." This kind of bias in healthcare can have life-threatening consequences.
So, ask yourself—why are women’s symptoms so frequently overlooked? The answer lies in a long-standing gap in awareness, research, and advocacy. But we have the power to change that. By raising our voices, educating ourselves and others, and pushing for better recognition of women's heart health, we can save lives!
Key Risk Factors for Women
Several risk factors increase a woman’s likelihood of developing heart disease, including:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Stress and depression
Family history of heart disease
Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy or menopause, can also impact heart health, making regular check-ups crucial for early detection and prevention.
Small Steps to a Healthier Heart
The good news? Heart disease is largely preventable. By making heart-smart lifestyle choices, women can significantly reduce their risk:
✔ Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce added sugars, processed foods, and excess sodium.
✔ Move More: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Walking, dancing, swimming, and strength training all contribute to better heart health.
✔ Manage Stress: Chronic stress takes a toll on the heart. Incorporate mindfulness, yoga, deep breathing, or hobbies that bring joy.
✔ Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep (7-9 hours per night) is essential for heart health. Poor sleep is linked to high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease.
✔ Know Your Numbers: Regularly check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Understanding these numbers helps in early intervention and prevention.
✔ Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol: Smoking significantly raises the risk of heart disease, and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to high blood pressure and other health concerns.
Raise Awareness & Take Action
Heart Month is the perfect time to encourage the women in your life to prioritize their heart health. Wear red, join local heart health events, and share life-saving information with your loved ones. But most importantly—listen to your body. If something feels off, don’t ignore it, and definitely don’t accept “you’re just overreacting” as an answer. Advocate for yourself. Your health matters.
This February, let’s commit to taking charge of our heart health and empowering others to do the same. Your heart is worth it. ❤️
Exciting news—Go Red For Women merchandise will be available soon! We’re making sure every piece meets our high-quality standards before launching, you can view them here. Stay tuned for updates, and in the meantime, keep Chasing Your Health!
