Let’s be honest, heart health isn’t always at the top of the to-do list. Between work, family, and that never-ending laundry pile, it’s easy to assume everything is fine.

But here’s the deal: heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., and yet, 80% of it is preventable. That’s a statistic worth paying attention to.

The truth about heart disease in women

Heart disease doesn’t always look the way we expect — especially for women.

Heart attack symptoms can differ for men and women. Men often experience classic chest pain, while women may have symptoms like indigestion, fatigue, or trouble breathing.
Black women are at higher risk. More than half of Black women age 20+ have high blood pressure, which significantly increases heart disease risk.
Diabetes is a major factor. Women with diabetes are more likely than men to develop heart disease because the condition often leads to plaque buildup in the arteries.

3 steps to a healthier heart

Taking charge of your heart health doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s where to start:

1. Assess your heart health
A quick visit to your doctor can give you essential numbers to monitor:

Blood pressure: 120/80
Blood sugar: 100 mg/dL (fasting)
Cholesterol: Discuss target levels with your doctor
Body mass index (BMI): 25

2. Know your risk factors
Some risks are within your control:

High blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol
Poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity
Diabetes, excessive alcohol, stress

Others, like age, family history, and race, are not — but knowing about them helps you stay proactive.

3. Take action

Quit smoking: This is one of the biggest risk reducers.
Eat well: A Mediterranean-style diet is great for heart health.
Move more: Just 30 minutes of activity, five days a week, is enough to make a difference.
Manage stress: Find what calms you, whether it’s yoga, journaling, or a long walk.
Prioritize sleep: Aim for seven to eight hours each night.

Heart health starts with small, consistent choices. A simple way to begin? Take Novant Health’s heart risk assessment — it’s just five minutes and could help guide your next steps toward a stronger, healthier heart.

Evaluate your riskhttps://6am-city.typeform.com/to/PIVjeDQL