Heart Health: Recognizing Risks, Symptoms, and Women's Distinct Warning Signs
- Natalie Morris
- Feb 26
- 4 min read
The United States is one of the most disproportionately affected countries when it comes to heart health conditions, yet we remain largely unaware and deeply entrenched in unhealthy habits that contribute to these often-fatal diseases. To explore why this is the case, I researched not only the fundamentals of heart health but also how certain populations face disproportionate risks. I examine the extent to which America’s insufficient response to heart health stems from ingrained behaviors that must be unlearned over time. Additionally, I highlight the unique symptoms and risk factors that women experience during cardiac events—symptoms that are often overlooked or dismissed, leading to dangerous delays in care.
Basic Information & Associated Conditions:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies coronary artery disease as the most frequently diagnosed heart condition in the U.S.—but what exactly is it? Coronary artery disease is “the most common type of heart disease caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart” (CDC, 2024). Heart disease is responsible for about 1 in every 5 deaths among those assigned female at birth (CDC, 2024). Another serious condition affecting heart function is arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat that can be deadly (CDC, 2024).
Despite the severity of these conditions, many Americans remain unaware of the true extent of their risks. Studies show that individuals in lower socioeconomic situations face a significantly higher likelihood of developing heart complications due to systemic barriers and limited access to care (Goff et al., 1998). The structure of the American healthcare system often benefits from, rather than addresses, these disparities, creating an environment where meaningful improvements in public health are difficult to achieve. Those who do not fit into a certain “cookie-cutter” identity frequently find their healthcare needs overlooked, leading to a growing distrust in a system that is supposed to protect their well-being (Goff et al., 1998).
Contributing Risk Factors:
General risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, family history, smoking, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and excess weight (AHA, CDC, 2024). These risk factors are often ignored or exacerbated by the American tendency to prioritize convenience over long-term health, as well as deeply ingrained lifestyle habits.
Additionally, those assigned female at birth may face unique risk factors, including menstrual cycle history, type of birth control, certain hormone therapies, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) (AHA, 2024). Pregnancy-related factors, such as miscarriage, preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia (a form of high blood pressure brought on by pregnancy), can also increase the risk of heart disease (AHA, 2024).
Symptoms
Symptoms of a cardiac episode can vary, particularly for those assigned female at birth. While chest pain is a common symptom, it is not always present. This type of discomfort, known as angina, is described as a dull or heavy ache in the chest (CDC, 2024). Other symptoms can include pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen, jaw, neck, or back pain, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, fainting, indigestion, and, in some cases, extreme or persistent fatigue (CDC, 2024).
According to the American Heart Association, biological sex can influence the way cardiovascular symptoms present (AHA, 2024). While those assigned male at birth may also experience chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, they are more likely to report classic symptoms such as squeezing chest pain, jaw, neck, or back pain, nausea or vomiting, and shortness of breath (AHA, 2024).
After reviewing both the CDC’s information on women’s heart health and the American Heart Association’s discussion of symptom differences, the lists are not drastically different, but key distinctions exist. These differences can impact how quickly a cardiac event is recognized and treated. Notably, women often dismiss their symptoms or delay seeking care because their experiences do not align with the more widely recognized “classic” heart attack symptoms. This delay can be dangerous, underscoring the need for greater awareness of how heart disease presents differently across populations.
Preventive Measures & Closing Thoughts:
The American population must take accountability for our health and work to break habits that contribute to life-threatening conditions. We are all acutely aware of life’s fragility, yet we often remain blissfully ignorant—or perhaps we are simply creatures who choose to live in the moment; I’m still deciding which. Preventative measures to reduce the risk of cardiac episodes include monitoring blood pressure, understanding diabetes risk and status, quitting smoking, checking cholesterol and triglyceride levels, exercising regularly, making healthy food choices, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress (CDC, 2024). While these steps do not guarantee complete protection against heart complications, they significantly lower the likelihood of experiencing a cardiovascular event and promote overall well-being.
References
American Heart Association Website and Video, 2024
Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website, About Heart Disease Page, 2024
Women and Heart Disease, CDC Website, 2024
Goff, D. C., Sellers, D. E., McGovern, P. G., Meischke, H., Goldberg, R. J., Bittner, V., ... & REACT Study Group. (1998). Knowledge of heart attack symptoms in a population survey in the United States: the REACT trial. Archives of internal medicine, 158(21), 2329-2338.
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