Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Learn the warning signs, risk factors prevention tips and when to seek emergency care.

Published: February 1, 2017 | Updated: July 22, 2026

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women — and the problem is growing

Many women worry most about breast cancer or other serious illnesses, but heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States.

According to a recent American Heart Association scientific advisory, 6 in 10 U.S. women are projected to have at least one form of cardiovascular disease by 2050, driven by increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and an aging population. These trends mean that more women than ever will need to understand their heart health and take steps to reduce their risk.

“Many women don’t realize they’re at risk until symptoms become serious,” said Li Zhou, M.D., Ph.D., cardiologist and medical director of the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Women’s Heart Program. “The good news is that many heart attacks and cardiovascular events are preventable through early detection, regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices.”

Heart attack symptoms in women can be different

Although chest pain is still the most common heart attack symptom in women, many experience less obvious warning signs that easily can be mistaken for stress, indigestion, anxiety or even the flu.

Common heart attack symptoms in women include:

• Chest pressure, tightness or pain
• Pain in the jaw, neck, back or one or both arms
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual or overwhelming fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cold sweats
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Pain in the upper stomach or between the shoulder blades

Some women experience symptoms for hours — or even days — before a heart attack.

Why women’s heart disease is increasing

Several factors are contributing to the rising number of women diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

These include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking or vaping
• Chronic stress
• Poor sleep
• Family history of heart disease

Women also have unique risk factors that men do not experience, including:

• Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
• Early menopause
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Autoimmune diseases, which are more common in women

These conditions can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease later in life.

How women can lower their risk of heart disease

The majority of heart disease risk factors can be managed with healthy habits and routine medical care.

Women can reduce their risk by:

• Knowing their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising at least 150 minutes each week
• Eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Getting quality sleep
• Managing stress
• Seeing a primary care provider for annual wellness visits

Even small lifestyle changes can significantly improve heart health over time.

“Prevention starts long before someone develops symptoms,” Dr. Zhousaid. “Understanding your personal risk allows us to intervene early and help women stay healthier for years to come.”

Specialized heart care designed for women

Women’s cardiovascular health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Hormonal changes, pregnancy history and differences in how heart disease develops all can affect diagnosis and treatment.

The Women’s Heart Program provides comprehensive cardiovascular care tailored specifically to women, including:

• Heart disease risk assessments
• Prevention and wellness strategies
• Diagnostic testing
• Management of heart disease and vascular conditions
• Education about symptoms unique to women
• Care for all stages of life from specialists experienced in women’s cardiovascular health

Whether you’re managing risk factors or experiencing concerning symptoms, specialized care can help detect heart disease earlier and improve long-term health.

Know your risk. Protect your heart.

Heart disease affects women of every age, race and background. Understanding the warning signs and taking preventive action have never been more important.