With new information available to us, we now know that women’s heart health looks different than it does for men, and it’s something I’ve seen up close in my work. Heart disease doesn’t stick to a script – it tends to sidestep those classic symptoms we’re all taught to look out for, like the kind of chest pain you hear about, which, by the way, comes from studies focused mostly on middle-aged white men. But for a lot of women, it’s not about chest pain at all. Instead, imagine something more subtle, like a persistent backache or feeling unusually wiped out. These aren’t just any symptoms; they’re the kind that can often get overlooked or downplayed. That’s exactly why I’m so passionate about making sure every woman feels empowered in their health, and gets the attention and care she truly deserves.

It doesn’t stop there. Women have their own set of heart health hurdles to clear, like pregnancy-related complications and the aftermath of breast cancer treatments – there are issues specific to the female body that heighten a woman’s risk profile. Plus, for women from communities at higher risk, like African American, Hispanic, and South Asian groups, knowing your family’s health history and how your genes might play a role is key. It’s all about being in the know and staying ahead of the game when it comes to feeling empowered, especially in the realm of women’s heart health.