Heart disease was once largely considered to predominantly affect men, yet the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance explains that while it’s actually on the decline in men, it’s rising among women, standing as the leading cause of death for women worldwide.

Surprisingly, many women are unaware of their own risk. This is partly because the majority of studies on the subject have exclusively included men, and the symptoms of heart disease in women can present vastly different than what’s labelled ‘typical’.

Whether you’re taking your first steps toward prevention or managing an existing condition, understanding the link between cholesterol and heart health is key. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about heart disease in women and some easy ways you can reduce cholesterol.

Understanding Heart Disease in Women

Heart disease affects millions of women each year, and understanding its unique characteristics is essential for prevention.

Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment can lead to severe consequences, underscoring the need for greater awareness.

By understanding how heart disease presents differently in women, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and those you love.

Key Differences in Symptoms and Risks Between Men and Women

Heart disease in women can appear quite differently than in men, bearing its own unique set of heart attack symptoms.

While chest pain remains a common symptom, the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre explains that women frequently experience more subtle signs, such as abnormal sweating, fatigue, shortness of breath, or stomach pain and nausea.

Some additional symptoms of heart attacks in women can include:

• Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder or upper back
• Dizziness or being lightheaded
• Heartburn (indigestion)

According to Mayo Clinic, women are also more likely to experience symptoms when resting and have a higher likelihood than men to have a heart attack without a severe blockage in an artery. This makes early recognition particularly crucial.

What Causes Heart Disease in Women?

A combination of biological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors influence the development of heart disease in women. Understanding these causes is key to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Biological and Lifestyle Contributors

Biological contributors include genetic predisposition, high cholesterol, and conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity, exacerbate these risks.

Furthermore, stress and lack of sleep are also significant contributors, as they can lead to hormonal imbalances and increased cholesterol levels.

Menopause and Pregnancy-Related Conditions

Beyond these elements, the Heart and Stroke Foundation explains that one of the risk factors unique to women is their fluctuating estrogen levels throughout life, from the reproductive years to menopause and post-menopause.

Menopause in particular significantly impacts heart health. As estrogen levels decline, so does the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol. This leads to increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) often called “bad cholesterol”, and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, more often known as “good cholesterol”.

Additionally, pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia can have long-term effects, increasing the risk of heart disease later in life.

The Role of Cholesterol in Heart Disease in Women

As you can see, cholesterol plays a crucial role in heart health, especially for women. By understanding its impact, you can take meaningful steps to protect your cardiovascular system and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Good vs. Bad Cholesterol (HDL vs. LDL)

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for various bodily functions, but its balance is critical. HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, protecting the arteries.

Conversely, LDL contributes to plaque buildup, narrowing blood vessels and restricting blood flow.

For women, maintaining higher HDL levels is particularly important, as it offers some protection against the cardiovascular risks associated with menopause. Keeping LDL levels low can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.

Why Managing Cholesterol Is Critical for Women

Unmanaged cholesterol silently damages the cardiovascular system. Over time, high LDL levels lead to arterial blockages, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes.

Women often experience a more gradual buildup of plaque, which can make symptoms harder to detect. Regular cholesterol screenings are a cornerstone of preventive care.

5 Tips to Help Reduce Your Cholesterol

So, how can you help reduce your risks of heart disease?

Lifestyle changes are at the top of this list, particularly when it comes to those actions that can help lower your cholesterol.

Making lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By focusing on simple, actionable steps, you can take charge of your heart health and significantly reduce your risk.

1. Cholesterol-Reducing Foods & A Heart-Healthy Diet

Your diet has a profound impact on cholesterol levels.

Consider incorporating these cholesterol-reducing foods into your meals:

• Oats and barley: These grains are rich in soluble fibre, which binds to bad cholesterol and helps remove it from the body.
• Nuts: Almonds and walnuts are packed with healthy fats that improve HDL levels.
• Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce LDL.
• Legumes and beans: High in fibre and protein, legumes and beans can help lower LDL effectively.

Beyond these specific inclusions, build a heart-healthy diet by focusing on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid trans fats and reduce saturated fat intake by choosing healthier cooking oils like olive or avocado oil.

2. The Power of Exercise – Types of Exercises & Activity Levels

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve heart health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.

Examples include:

• Cardio exercises: Brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
• Strength training: Building muscle helps burn fat and supports cardiovascular health.
• Flexibility exercises: Yoga or Pilates improve circulation and reduce stress.

Consistency is key. Even small daily activities, like taking the stairs or gardening, contribute to better heart health.

3. Smart Lifestyle Adjustments Concerning Smoking & Alcohol

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are detrimental to heart health, making it crucial to take appropriate measures to reduce intake (alcohol) or cease use entirely.

• Quit smoking: Quitting smoking helps to lower LDL and improves circulation while providing a host of other benefits. According to Healthline, studies have shown people who quit smoking can reduce their heart attack risk by nearly 50%. For help quitting, talk to your PharmaChoice pharmacist about our affordable Option+ quitting aids.
• Limit alcohol: Stick to recommended guidelines—no more than one drink per day—to avoid raising blood pressure and triglycerides.

4. Stress Management Techniques

Chronic stress can raise cortisol levels, which can increase cholesterol and blood pressure.

Effective stress management techniques include:

• Mindfulness and meditation: These practices calm the mind and reduce cortisol.
• Yoga: Combines physical activity with stress relief.
• Therapy or counselling: Address underlying issues contributing to stress.

5. Medicine to Reduce Cholesterol

For some women, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to bring cholesterol levels into a healthy range. Statins like atorvastatin and other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as ezetimibe, may be prescribed in these cases to support.

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if medication is appropriate for your needs.

Long-Term Heart Health Strategies

Focusing on long-term strategies ensures that the positive changes you make today continue to protect your heart health for years to come. By establishing consistent habits, you can maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Monitoring Cholesterol Levels

Routine cholesterol testing helps track your progress and detect issues early. Women over 20 should have their cholesterol levels checked every four to six years, or more frequently if they have risk factors like diabetes or a family history of heart disease.

Quality Sleep in Cholesterol Regulation

Sleep is vital for heart health. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to support cholesterol balance and reduce inflammation.

Strategies for better sleep include creating a calming bedtime routine, reducing screen time before bed, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

Talk To Your Local PharmaChoice Pharmacist About How To Reduce Cholesterol Today

Reducing cholesterol is one of the most effective ways to prevent heart disease in women. By making small but consistent changes—from eating healthier to staying active—you can significantly lower your risk. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear; take control of your heart health today.

Ask your healthcare provider at your closest PharmaChoice pharmacy to discuss heart disease treatment and find the right medications for reducing cholesterol!

Heart Disease FAQs

What are the first signs of heart disease in women?

The first signs often include unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, and subtle chest discomfort. Pain in the jaw, neck, or back may also occur.

What are the most common heart diseases in women?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common. Others include heart failure, arrhythmias, and valve diseases.

Is there a link between cholesterol and heart disease?

Yes, high LDL cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart disease, as they contribute to arterial plaque buildup.

How do you treat high cholesterol in women?

Treatment includes lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, as well as medications like statins for those at higher risk.

What lifestyle changes have the biggest impact on cholesterol?

Adopting a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, managing stress, and limiting alcohol consumption have the greatest impact.