Heart disease is often seen as a “man’s problem,” but the truth tells a different—and dangerous—story. In both the U.S. and U.K., heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. In fact, in America, it kills more women than all types of cancer combined, according to the CDC. Yet many women are still unaware of the silent signals their hearts might be sending.
Dr. Tara Narula, a respected cardiologist and associate professor, is on a mission to change that. She recently shared six crucial things women should stop doing right now if they want to protect their hearts and potentially save their lives.
1. Stop Ignoring Chest Pain—Even if It’s Mild
If you feel chest discomfort, don’t write it off as stress or acid reflux. That subtle tightness, pressure, or even a feeling like your bra is too tight could be a warning sign of a heart attack. Other unusual symptoms to watch for include jaw or shoulder pain and unexplained sweating.
“Women often delay care or minimize their symptoms,” Dr. Narula says. “But time is muscle. Early action saves lives.”
2. Don’t Stay in the Dark About Your Health Numbers
Every woman should know her “critical numbers”:
- Blood Pressure
- Cholesterol
- Blood Sugar
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
These values are essential to understanding your risk of heart disease. High blood pressure and cholesterol are leading contributors to heart attacks and strokes, yet many women never check them until it’s too late.
3. Never Ignore Your Family History
Heart problems often run in families. If your relatives have a history of:
- Heart failure
- Sudden cardiac death
- High cholesterol
- Aortic aneurysms
- Electrical rhythm problems
…then you might be at risk too. Ask questions and share that history with your doctor. Genetics can play a big role in cardiovascular health—even if you live a healthy lifestyle.
4. Don’t Assume You’re “Too Healthy” for Heart Disease
Even if you eat well, exercise, and don’t smoke, you’re not automatically safe. Women of all body types and activity levels can develop heart disease.
“There’s no perfect picture of what heart disease looks like in women,” Dr. Narula explains. That’s why regular checkups and staying alert to symptoms are critical.
5. Don’t Skip Managing Stress
Chronic stress is more than just exhausting—it’s a real threat to your heart. It raises your blood pressure and increases inflammation, both of which damage the cardiovascular system over time.
Dr. Narula recommends:
- Short daily walks
- 10 minutes of meditation
- Breathing exercises or journaling
Even small steps can help reduce your heart’s burden and lower your risk of cardiac events.
6. Don’t Skimp on Sleep
Getting fewer than 7–8 hours of sleep a night is linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and even stroke. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea often go undiagnosed in women and can silently harm the heart.
“If someone tells me they’re always tired, or their partner says they snore or stop breathing at night, I refer them to a sleep doctor,” says Dr. Narula.
Takeaway: Your Heart Deserves Attention—Every Day
Heart disease in women is preventable—but only if it’s recognized and addressed early. Listen to your body. Learn your numbers. Talk to your family. Manage stress and sleep.
These may sound like small actions, but they can make a life-or-death difference.
