Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, responsible for about one in every three female deaths. Here are 10 key facts the American Heart Association wants people to know about women and cardiovascular disease.

  1. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, yet only 44 percent of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat. Among females 20 years and older, nearly 45 percent are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
  2. Less than 50 percent of pregnant women have good heart health, and 10 to 20 percent of women will have a health issue during pregnancy. 
  3. High blood pressure, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes during pregnancy greatly increase a women’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
  4. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of new moms, accounting for over one-third of maternal deaths, with Black women at risk for the highest maternal mortality rates.
  5. Going through menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, but menopause marks a point in midlife when women’s cardiovascular risk factors can accelerate, requiring an increased focus on health during this pivotal life stage.
  6. Most cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, eating smart, and managing blood pressure.
  7. 51.9 percent of high blood pressure deaths, otherwise known as hypertension or the “silent killer,” are common in women, and out of all women, 57.6 percent of Black females have hypertension, more than any other race or ethnicity.
  8. While there are an estimated 4.1 million female stroke survivors living today, approximately 57.5 percent of total stroke deaths are in women.
  9. Women are often less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers often fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault or injuring the victim.
  10. Women continue to be underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, as well as in research. In fact, women occupy nearly half of all U.S. jobs (48 percent), but only 27 percent of jobs in STEM fields. Furthermore, only 38 percent of participants in clinical cardiovascular trials are women.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can lower a woman’s risk factor for heart disease. With this in mind, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement advocates for the health of all women, funds lifesaving research, and educates women throughout the world in its commitment to remove the unique barriers women face in achieving better health and well-being. Learn more and consider attending this year’s Go Red for Women luncheon June 15 from 11 am to 1:30 pm at the Health Professions Hub at D’Youville University, 301 Connecticut St., Buffalo 14203. Learn more at www.GoRedBuffalo.heart.org.