February is Heart Disease Awareness Month

What Women Need to Know about heart disease

February is Heart Disease Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the leading cause of death for women: cardiovascular disease. You read that right – Heart disease is the LEADING cause of death in women. While heart disease is often thought of as a “men’s issue,” the truth is that it affects 1 in 3 women—and symptoms can present differently in women than in men.  I find that women are more scared of cancer than they are of heart disease but we shouldn’t overlook the preventive steps we can take to reduce cardiovascular risk. This is something that I dive deep into with all of my patients!

Why Heart Disease in Women is Overlooked

Breast cancer campaigns make women fearful of cancer, but with heart disease being the #1 killer in women, we should really take heart health more seriously! Women’s heart symptoms are often more subtle than the classic chest pain seen in men. Instead, women may experience:  

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or nausea
• Pain in the jaw, back, or upper abdomen
• Palpitations or anxiety

Because these symptoms can be mistaken for stress or hormonal changes, heart disease in women is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed until it’s too late.  There are even stories of women in the Emergency Room having an active heart attack who are told it is anxiety. Ugh! We must shift this recognize that the signs and symptoms may be different and also work to reduce risk before it develops!

Root Causes of Heart Disease in Women

From a functional medicine perspective, heart disease isn’t just about cholesterol—it’s about inflammation, metabolic health, and nutrient balance. Key contributors include:  

• Insulin Resistance & Blood Sugar Dysregulation – High insulin can damage blood vessels and increase heart disease risk.  
• Chronic Inflammation – Autoimmune conditions, gut health imbalances, and poor diet contribute to inflammation, which drives cardiovascular disease.  
• Nutrient Deficiencies – Magnesium, CoQ10, omega-3s, and B vitamins (especially if you have an MTHFR mutation) are crucial for heart health.  
• Hormonal Changes – Estrogen protects the heart, so women in perimenopause and menopause see a dramatic increased risk.  Hormone replacement therapy can reduce the risk of developing heart disease!

Functional Medicine Strategies for a Healthy Heart  

• Optimize Blood Sugar – Eat protein, healthy fats, and fiber at each meal to stabilize glucose and insulin.  Consider CGM for a more personalized approach to balancing blood sugar. 
• Support Methylation – If you have MTHFR variants, ensure adequate methylated B vitamins (B12, B6, folate).  
• Manage Stress & Sleep – Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can spike blood pressure and inflammation. Prioritize deep sleep and stress-reducing practices.  
• Move Your Body – Strength training, walking, and interval workouts improve cardiovascular function and insulin sensitivity.  
• Test, Don’t Guess – Functional labs like hs-CRP (inflammation), fasting insulin, homocysteine, an expanded lipid panel and omega-3 index give a clearer picture than just your regular basic cholesterol panel.  

Your Heart, Your Health

Heart disease is largely preventable when we address the root causes. By focusing on metabolic health, inflammation, and hormone balance, women can protect their hearts using a comprehensive, functional medicine approach. This Heart Disease Awareness Month, take charge of your cardiovascular health—because prevention starts today.  

Ready to dig deeper into your heart health? Let’s create a personalized plan that works for you! Book a FREE 15 minute consultation below!