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Heart Disease in Women
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Heart Disease in Women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet it is often underdiagnosed due to "silent" symptoms or presentations that differ from those in men.

Understanding Heart Disease

Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is a general term for heart and blood vessel problems. Coronary artery disease is the most common type, occurring when plaque narrows or blocks blood flow to the heart muscle, potentially leading to angina, heart attacks, heart failure, and arrhythmia.

Why Diagnosis Can Be Delayed

Women are often diagnosed later than men because:

  • They are more likely to have "silent" heart disease without symptoms.
  • Symptoms in women may differ from the traditional symptoms seen in men.
  • Women are more likely to experience types of heart disease that are harder to diagnose.

Types of Heart Disease Affecting Women

While coronary artery disease is most common, women are more frequently affected by:

  • Coronary microvascular disease: Spasms in the smallest arteries of the heart that pinch off blood flow, often during rest or routine activity.
  • Broken heart syndrome: Stress-induced chest pain caused by powerful emotions like grief or anger, which can mimic a heart attack.
  • Variant angina: A rare type of chest pain caused by spasms in heart arteries, typically occurring during sleep.

Risk Factors

Risk increases with age, particularly after menopause, as protective estrogen levels drop. Other risk factors include:

  • Family history of heart disease.
  • Pregnancy complications (e.g., high blood pressure, gestational diabetes).
  • Use of hormonal birth control.
  • Conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, autoimmune diseases, metabolic syndrome, and mental health issues.
  • Lifestyle factors: smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet.
  • Medical conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol.

Symptoms in Women

Women may experience chest pain, but they are also more likely to report:

  • Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly, or back.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Unusual fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath during physical activity.

During a heart attack, women may feel pressure or tightness in the chest, dizziness, indigestion, or stomach pain. Symptoms may be mild, start slowly, or come and go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beyond classic chest pain, women often experience more subtle or atypical symptoms. These can include unexplained fatigue that is severe and persistent, shortness of breath even at rest or with minimal exertion, pain in the jaw, neck, back, or stomach (which may feel like indigestion), lightheadedness, dizziness, or nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may occur without chest pain and can be easily dismissed, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Certain pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), or preterm delivery, can indicate an increased risk for heart disease later in life. Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic inflammation throughout the body, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), leading to coronary artery disease and other heart conditions.
fter menopause, as protective estrogen levels decline, women's risk of heart disease increases. To mitigate this, focus on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle: eat a balanced diet low in saturated fats and sodium, engage in regular physical activity, avoid smoking, and manage stress. It's also crucial to regularly monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and discuss any family history or unique risk factors with your doctor to develop a personalized prevention plan.
Broken heart syndrome, or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is usually a temporary condition where extreme emotional or physical stress leads to sudden heart muscle weakening. Most women recover fully within weeks or months with supportive care, including medications to manage symptoms and support heart function. While it's difficult to prevent all stressful events, managing stress through techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and seeking emotional support can help reduce the risk. Recognizing and addressing intense emotional distress is key.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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