Like many areas in women’s health, cardiovascular disease hit me personally before it was of professional interest.
My Wake-up Call
A year or two ago, my doctor (a functional medicine practitioner) saw an aberration in my routine bloodwork and she ordered a follow up – a Calcium score, which proved normal. However, due to high blood pressure she also ordered a CAT scan, which revealed an aneurism in a location that is 99% fatal if it ruptures. I am now on three heart medications, and I see both a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon as part of my routine medical care.
That, my friends, was my terrifying wake-up into heart disease in women; don’t let the same thing happen to you.
The Facts
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer of women; nearly 433K women died from CVD in 2023. And while the risk is increasingly understood in world of women’s health, it’s not well understood by many healthcare practitioners (more on that later this week) or by the women at risk.
Risks increase with hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, as well as in pregnancy and menopause. Black women face 59% prevalence of cardiovascular disease compared to 42% in White women; underrepresentation in clinical trials exacerbates these gaps and our ability to treat them effectively.
The Path Forward
The good news is that we have seen an increased number of women in clinical trials related to heart disease since 2017. More diverse trials – combined with new preventive technologies like wearables, AI-powered apps, and new diagnostic solutions – are paving the way for earlier detection and treatment in women. Be a part of the change by demanding preventive care for yourself and the women you love!
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