Heart Disease in Women

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association. It can affect women of any age, at any time.

St. John's is dedicated to helping women in our community improve and maintain their heart health. We recognize that women have unique lifestyle and health care needs, and we tailor our heart health services and treatment specifically to each person.

Unique Risk Factors for Women

Most women don't realize their risk factors for heart disease are different than those for men. While age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and family history are certainly known risk factors, there are other factors specific to women:

  • Women who have high job stress have a significantly higher risk for heart disease and heart attack.
  • Conditions involving chronic inflammation such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis nearly double a woman's risk.
  • Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke later in life.
  • Metabolic syndrome - a combination of fat around your abdomen, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high triglycerides - has a greater impact on women than on men.
  • Smoking is a greater risk factor for heart disease in women than in men.
  • Low levels of estrogen after menopause pose a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in the smaller blood vessels.

For a cardiologist at St. John's, call (877) 753-6248, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.