Why Nearly Half of American Women Are Living With Heart Disease—And What You Can Do About It

Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), making it the leading cause of death for women in the United States. This staggering statistic means that almost half of American women are walking around with a condition that could potentially threaten their lives, yet many remain unaware of their risk or what they can do to protect themselves.

What Makes Heart Disease So Dangerous for Women?

Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of 1 in 3 women, yet the majority of cardiac events can actually be prevented. The problem isn't just the disease itself—it's that women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research, meaning we're still learning about how heart disease affects women differently than men. Additionally, women are less likely to receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during emergencies, which can be the difference between life and death.

What Numbers Should Every Woman Know?

The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement emphasizes that knowing your key health numbers can significantly lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. These critical measurements include:

• Blood Pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) forces your heart to work harder and can damage arteries over time
• Blood Glucose: Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and increase cardiovascular risk
• Total Cholesterol: High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, potentially causing blockages
• Body Mass Index (BMI): Excess weight puts additional strain on your heart and can contribute to other risk factors

These numbers aren't just statistics on a medical chart—they're actionable data points that can guide your health decisions. Regular monitoring allows you to catch problems early when they're most treatable, rather than waiting until symptoms appear.

How Can Women Take Action Today?

The Go Red for Women movement encourages women to make bold moves for better heart health, and these steps don't require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Learning Hands-Only CPR equips you with life-saving knowledge, especially important since women are statistically less likely to receive bystander CPR during cardiac emergencies. Participating in Research Goes Red helps ensure that future cardiovascular studies include adequate female representation, leading to better treatments and understanding of how heart disease affects women specifically.

Heart disease and stroke can happen at any age, making prevention efforts crucial regardless of whether you're 25 or 65. The encouraging news is that with proper awareness, regular monitoring of key health indicators, and proactive lifestyle choices, the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented. By understanding your personal risk factors and taking control of the numbers that matter most—blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and body mass index—you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming part of that 45% statistic.