7 Surprising Factors That Affect Women’s Heart Health (And How to Address Them)

1. Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on Heart Disease

Hormones affect more than mood and energy—they also have a significant influence on women’s cardiovascular health.

After menopause, for example, the natural drop in estrogen is linked to higher risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and plaque buildup in the arteries. The American Heart Association reports that menopause-related hot flashes, night sweats, and depression have also been linked to a risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Pregnancy-related conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes may also raise heart disease risks later in life, even if those issues resolve after childbirth.

• What helps: Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider can help track and control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar over time. If you’ve had pregnancy risks or complications in the past, mention them during your visits—even if it’s been years.
  
  Continuous lifestyle support, management for fluctuating hormone levels, and heart-healthy habits are all part of protecting your heart health through every life stage.

2. Stress, Anxiety, and Heart Disease Risks 

Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can trigger real, physical strain on the heart. Long-term stress may lead to inflammation, unhealthy coping behaviors like poor eating or smoking, and even elevated blood pressure.

Unfortunately, the Cleveland Clinic stated that women in America report higher average levels of stress than men. Additionally, they are more likely than men to rank family responsibilities and relationships as major stressors in their lives.

That mental load can quietly increase cardiovascular risks.



• What helps: Finding practical stress management techniques (whether it’s mindfulness, counseling, regular physical activity, or talking to your primary care provider) can make a meaningful difference. Physical and mental health are deeply connected, and a trusted provider can help with stress management.

3. Autoimmune Diseases: A Surprising Contributor to Heart Disease

Autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which affect more women than men, can increase chronic inflammation throughout the body, including in blood vessels. Over time, this can contribute to arterial damage and a higher risk of coronary artery disease.

• What helps: Early diagnosis and coordinated care are essential. If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, talk with your healthcare provider about your cardiovascular health. Managing inflammation through medication, a healthy diet, and consistent monitoring can help lower the risk of heart complications.

4. Sleep Quality and Disorders

Poor sleep is a big problem in America, and it turns out, it may also raise the risk of heart disease.

Conditions like sleep apnea are linked to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and other cardiovascular concerns. According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart failure by up to 140% and the risk of coronary heart disease by 30%.

Unfortunately, women’s sleep disorders are frequently underrecognized, often because symptoms don’t always look “classic.” Fatigue, headaches, or insomnia may be brushed off as stress or hormonal.

That’s concerning because poor sleep has been identified as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially when combined with other conditions like obesity or diabetes. A study shared by the American College of Cardiology found that people who slept fewer than 6 hours per night were significantly more likely (27%) to develop heart disease compared to those who slept 7–8 hours.

• What helps: If you consistently wake up tired, snore loudly, or struggle to stay asleep, bring it up with your healthcare provider. Good sleep hygiene is incredibly important, but so is ruling out a sleep disorder.
  
  Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your sleep as well as your cardiovascular health.

5. Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disease

It might surprise you to hear that women’s dental health can affect the heart. Just last year, Harvard Medical School published a report on how poor oral health (such as gum disease and tooth loss) relates to higher rates of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke.

Inflammation from oral infections like periodontitis may contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries, increasing cardiovascular risk. Women may be more susceptible to gum issues due to hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause.

• What helps: Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene practices—like brushing, flossing, and avoiding tobacco—can reduce inflammation. If you notice gum tenderness, bleeding, or general oral inflammation, don’t ignore it.

6. Underrecognized Heart Attack Symptoms and Delays in Diagnosis

Research continuously indicates that women experience heart attacks differently from men.

For example, heart attack symptoms in women don’t always start with chest pain. Symptoms like fatigue, nausea, dizziness, back or jaw pain can be signs of a heart attack, but they’re easy to dismiss as something less serious. This can delay heart disease diagnosis and treatment, leading to worse outcomes.

• What helps: Know what to watch for. If something feels “off” and doesn’t go away, especially if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history, talk to your provider. Regular screenings and being your own advocate can lead to timely heart care and a better recovery.

7. Social Determinants of Health

Women's health disparity factors such as income, access to healthcare, stable housing, and reliable transportation may seem unrelated to heart health, but they all matter.

These social factors influence a woman’s ability to get care, follow treatment plans, or afford medications. In fact, the Kaiser Family Foundation found that women without health insurance are less likely to receive preventive cardiovascular services, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

• What helps: If any of these social determinants are affecting your health or heart disease symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. Many clinics connect patients with community resources that can help.
  
  Equitable care means looking at the full picture—not just blood pressure screenings and lab results, but also what’s happening outside the exam room.

Take Heart—Your Health Is Worth Protecting

Hearts don’t follow a textbook, and that’s especially true for women. From stress and hormones to autoimmune conditions and oral health, the influences on cardiovascular wellness go beyond what many people expect.

Listening to your body, asking questions, and building a strong relationship with a women’s health provider are powerful steps in protecting your heart and preventing future heart attacks. Whether you're managing known risk factors or curious about heart disease prevention, consistent care matters.

At Family Medical Center, Dr. Barnett and his team are here to support women’s heart health at every stage of life. To schedule a screening or talk about your risk factors with a trusted Michigan health provider, contact us today.