Hidden Heart Health: What You Should Know About Women’s Cardiovascular Health in 2026

A clip from the TV show “The Pitt” has recently gone viral. In the clip, character Dr. Robby confronts two paramedics who placed EKG leads too low on a woman’s chest, therefore failing to detect when she had a heart attack. This scene has brought attention to an uncomfortable truth: women who experience a heart attack are less likely to be correctly diagnosed, less likely to receive CPR from a bystander, less likely to be defibrillated, and less likely to survive the event even when they do get treatment. Reasons for this include lack of knowledge of women’s heart attack symptoms and fear of being accused of inappropriate behavior toward a woman in medical distress. But in the event of a life-threatening heart emergency, a little knowledge can go a long way. Read on for more important information about women’s heart health.

Staying Aware of the Signs

You may be aware of the typical warning signs of a heart attack, but did you know that women often experience a unique set of symptoms? In addition to chest pain or discomfort, women are more likely to experience less obvious symptoms with a heart attack, such as:

• A feeling of indigestion
• Back pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness

These less-direct symptoms are one of the reasons why women are less likely to be correctly diagnosed with a heart attack, and therefore less likely to receive the treatment they need. Knowing these signs could help save lives!

CPR and AEDs for Women

Some people may feel hesitant to perform CPR on a woman, but the process is essentially the same for any person who is experiencing a heart-related emergency. The American Heart Association has a video on how to perform CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a woman who needs it on this webpage.

When using an AED on a woman, there may be additional layers of clothing such as a bra that need to be removed, or breast tissue may need to be moved to make sure the pads are placed correctly. These quick extra steps can be the difference between life and death for a woman who is having a heart attack.

Real Life, Real Risks

While obesity, high blood pressure, and tobacco use are commonly known heart attack risk factors for both men and women, a woman’s risk of heart attack can also be elevated due to changing hormone levels and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

One life change that can lead to big hormone shifts for women, and therefore elevated risk of heart complications, is pregnancy. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of pregnancy-related death in the U.S., and it is a leading cause of pregnancy complications. Pregnancy causes an increase in blood volume and a higher heart rate, therefore raising the risk that a pregnant woman will develop a heart condition or experience worsening of a condition they already have. It is important that pregnant women share any heart-related symptoms they experience with their healthcare provider.

Tips for a Healthy Heart

If you are a woman, creating a few healthy habits can help greatly reduce your risk of heart disease and heart attack.

• Schedule a Wellness Exam: Try to schedule a wellness exam or “physical” with your primary care doctor at least once a year. This exam will include a blood pressure check and a blood test to check your cholesterol levels. Knowing the results of these tests can help you and your doctor assess your risk of heart problems and develop a plan to reduce these risks. To learn more about HSNT’s primary care services, click here.
• Eat Your Fiber: Eating a diet rich in fiber helps reduce LDL cholesterol, also known as the “bad” cholesterol that raises your risk of heart attack. Examples of high-fiber foods include whole grains, leafy greens, berries, and beans.
• Get Moving: Exercise helps reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and raise levels of HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol. Being active a few times a week through activities such as running, walking, biking, dancing, or playing sports can make you less likely to experience heart problems.