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Stacey Rosen

Heart Disease in Women: Rising Rates & Prevention Strategies

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor March 2, 2026

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Nearly 6 in 10 U.S. Women could have some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050, a substantial increase driven by rising rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, according to a scientific statement released Wednesday by the American Heart Association.

The projections, published in the journal Circulation, forecast that the percentage of women with at least one type of CVD will climb from 10.7% in 2020 to 14.4% in 2050. Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., encompassing conditions like coronary heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.

“Here’s a call to action,” said Dr. Stacey Rosen, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Health in Fresh York City. “We have major advances in lifesaving treatments for heart disease, but this is an opportunity to rethink how to improve prevention and early detection.”

The American Heart Association’s findings are based on analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015-2020) and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2015-2019), combined with U.S. Census Bureau population growth forecasts. The analysis projects specific increases in the prevalence of different CVD types among adult women:

Coronary heart disease: from 6.9% in 2020 to 8.2% in 2050
Heart failure: from 2.5% to 3.6%
Atrial fibrillation: from 1.6% to 2.3%

Dr. Karen Joynt Maddox, a cardiologist and chair of the statement writing group, explained that the aging of the population is a contributing factor. “But rising rates of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure are similarly key drivers, raising the risk for heart conditions both independently and in combination,” said Joynt Maddox, who is a professor of medicine and public health at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

The statement projects a significant increase in the prevalence of high blood pressure among adult women, from 48.6% in 2020 to 59.1% in 2050. Diabetes rates could climb from 14.9% to 25.3%, and obesity from 43.9% to 61.2%. These risk factors are increasing across all age groups, including young women aged 20 to 40. Obesity rates are also projected to rise among girls, from 19.6% to 32.0%.

“That’s setting up an entire generation of girls and young women to develop these cardiovascular diseases at a much younger age,” Joynt Maddox said.

The projections do not fully account for the growing use of GLP-1 drugs, a class of medications used for weight loss and Type 2 diabetes that have also shown potential to lower the risk of heart attacks and heart failure. Rosen acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the long-term impact of these drugs, noting the need for continued research into their safety and efficacy. She also pointed out that access to these medications remains a barrier for many communities.

Norrina Bai Allen, an epidemiologist specializing in cardiovascular disease and director of the Institute for Public Health and Medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, added that disparities in access to GLP-1s could widen existing cardiovascular risk gaps. “Not all communities can afford the out-of-pocket expenses for GLP-1s, and unfortunately, we may see a widening of disparities in cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes,” she said.

The American Heart Association emphasizes that women can take steps now to lower their lifetime risk of developing heart problems. Regular checkups, adherence to prescribed medications, and the adoption of healthy habits related to diet and exercise are crucial, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, when women may be more susceptible to developing diabetes and high blood pressure.

“Eighty percent of each of our risks for heart disease is preventable, and it starts with awareness,” Rosen said.

March 2, 2026 0 comments

Health

Heart Disease in Women: Risks, Symptoms & Why It’s Often Missed

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor February 26, 2026

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Lori Sepich, a 64-year-old resident of Memphis, Tennessee, never imagined she would suffer two heart attacks, 13 years apart. For years, she smoked and intermittently skipped taking medication prescribed for severe, hereditary high blood pressure diagnosed when she was just 17. “The possibility just wasn’t registering with me,” Sepich said.

Her experience is far from unique. More than 60 million women in the United States live with cardiovascular disease, encompassing heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Globally, an estimated 275 million to 300 million women are affected. According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately 30 percent of all deaths among women annually. In the U.S., one in five female deaths is attributable to cardiovascular disease, with 37,000 resulting from heart attacks each year.

Despite affecting women and men at roughly equal rates, cardiovascular disease remains significantly underdiagnosed and under-researched in women, according to a letter published in The Journal of Nursing Research in August 2025. This disparity leads to a critical lack of sex-specific data and effective risk assessment tools.

“Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. It will affect you or someone you know,” stated Dr. Sharonne Hayes, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “Knowing what to do if you have symptoms of a heart attack and taking action if you do, that’s really significant.”

Sepich’s initial heart attack occurred on Easter Sunday in 2005. She experienced chest pain, nausea, and sweating but initially dismissed the symptoms, prioritizing family commitments. The following morning, she drove herself to the emergency room, smoking a cigarette en route. Upon questioning, she initially told doctors she had quit smoking, then admitted she had stopped “about five minutes ago.” Doctors subsequently placed six stents in her heart.

Following her first heart attack, Sepich struggled with depression and the realization that she could no longer ignore her heart condition. More than a decade later, in 2018, she faced another heart attack.

In February 2026, Sepich was recognized as one of twelve women nationwide selected for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Class of Survivors, becoming the first woman from the Mid-South region to receive the honor. She had previously shared her story with the local American Heart Association chapter in Memphis, Tennessee, after attending a Go Red for Women luncheon that she said changed her life.

The American Heart Association recommends “Life’s Essential 8” to reduce cardiovascular risk: eating better, quitting tobacco, getting healthy sleep, being more active, controlling cholesterol, and managing weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Regular checkups are also advised to discuss these preventative measures and monitor health, particularly for those with a family history of heart problems.

February 26, 2026 0 comments

Health

Heart Attacks in Women: Symptoms, Risks & Prevention Tips

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor February 24, 2026

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Memphis, Tennessee – Lori Sepich, a 64-year-ancient resident of Memphis, is sharing her story after surviving two heart attacks 13 years apart, hoping to raise awareness about the often-overlooked symptoms of heart disease in women. Sepich, who smoked for years and occasionally skipped her blood pressure medication, initially dismissed the possibility of a heart condition, a sentiment echoed by many women who experience cardiovascular issues.

More than 60 million women in the United States live with cardiovascular disease, encompassing heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, according to the American Heart Association. Despite a common misconception that heart attacks primarily affect men, women are significantly vulnerable, with cardiovascular disease being the number one killer of women in the U.S. – responsible for one in five female deaths annually, including approximately 37,000 heart attack fatalities.

Sepich’s journey began at age 17 with a diagnosis of extremely high blood pressure. She initially downplayed the severity of the condition, a pattern that continued for decades. In 2005, at the age of 43, she experienced her first heart attack on Easter Sunday, dismissing the chest pressure, nausea, and radiating arm pain as something she could “ride out.” She attended Mass and a family luncheon, and even went to work the following day before finally seeking medical attention at her doctor’s urging. She subsequently underwent a procedure to have six stents placed and spent a week in the hospital.

A second heart attack occurred several years later, prompting a quicker response and the placement of another stent after her cardiologist discovered a near-complete blockage in a major artery. Sepich has since prioritized her health, controlling her blood pressure, quitting smoking over two decades ago, and incorporating daily exercise into her routine.

Experts emphasize that heart attack symptoms can differ between men and women. While chest pain or discomfort is a common indicator, women are more likely to experience other symptoms, including back pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness, anxiety, jaw pain, and tingling in the fingers. These symptoms may similarly present more subtly in women than in men, often waxing and waning over time.

Dr. Stacey Rosen, president of the American Heart Association, advises women to be proactive about their heart health. “If you think that there’s even a chance that you’re having a heart attack, that’s when you call 911,” she said, stressing the importance of erring on the side of caution. She recommends seeking care at a hospital, which is better equipped to handle cardiac emergencies than urgent care centers or doctor’s offices.

The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” provides a framework for reducing cardiovascular risk: a healthy diet, quitting tobacco, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, cholesterol management, and control of weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Regular checkups and discussions with healthcare providers about family history and potential risk factors are also crucial.

Sepich, recently recognized as a 2026 Survivor by Go Red for Women, now advocates for greater awareness of heart disease among women. “I could justify my actions from denial. I could just be like, ‘Oh, it’s not gonna hurt you,’” she said. “Well, it does hurt you. It can kill you.”

February 24, 2026 0 comments