How Women’s Cardiovascular Risks Change Throughout Their Lives

03/02/26
Women's Heart Health

Understanding Women’s Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Cumulative Risk

woman hands on chest

Cardiovascular risk begins at birth and continues through all stages of a woman's lifetime. There are several lifestyle modifications you can make to lower your risk for heart and vascular disease. Click here for a printable version of this resources to discuss your risk factors with your primary care physician.

Youth

E Cig Iconvv

Smoking and use of e-cigs

Smoking causes 1 of 3 deaths from CVD
Smoking and Birth Control

Smoking combined with birth control pills

The combination increases risk by 20%
Pregnancy

Pregnancy conditions

Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and pregnancy- induced hypertension lead to higher risk
Baby Icon

Delivered premature or low birth-weight baby

Less than 37 weeks or 5#, 8oz; ~1.5x increased risk of CVD
Maintain Healthy Weight

Pregnancy weight not lost

After one year increases risk

Midlife

Cholesterol Levels

Elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol

Nearly 1 in 4 women have high LDL cholesterol
Depression

Depression

Higher incidence in young women; depression leads to greater risk
Autoimmune Disorder Icon

Autoimmune disorders

Lupus & rheumatoid arthritis significantly increases risk
Diabetes Icon

Type 2 diabetes

2-3x more likely to have CVD

Later Life

Menopause

Menopause

Early menopause (under 45 years) leads to 4-5x greater CVD risk
Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment

Link between cancer treatment and CVD
Know Your Numbers

High blood pressure

Nearly 1 in 2 women have high blood pressure or are taking blood pressure medication
Stroke

Stroke

Greater risk for a stroke when you are 60+ years of age

Risk factors regardless of age include: 

  • Social Isolation/Loneliness
  • Racism
  • Sexism
  • Educational Opportunities
  • Access to Nutrition
  • Access to Healthcare
  • Socioeconomic Status
  • Neighborhood

The display is intended to depict heart disease risk factors across a woman’s lifetime. Risk is cumulative, increases with age, and is impacted by many factors, including social realities.

Take Note of Your Cardiovascular Risks

Know Your Risk 

In addition to traditional CVD risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes), it’s important to understand all risks. Consider checking the risk factors you’d like to learn more about. Tear this portion off and use it to talk with your doctor about actions to reduce your risk.

  • Autoimmune Disorder (lupus and rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Cancer Treatment
  • Depression
  • Menopause
  • Smoker (current or former)
  • Pregnancy Complications (high blood pressure during pregnancy, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, delivered a preterm baby)

Know Heart Attack Symptoms

Call 911 within 5 minutes if you experience any of these symptoms.

  • Chest Discomfort
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Discomfort or Radiating Pain (in neck, jaw, arms, back or stomach)
  • Sweating at Rest
  • Anxiety or Panic (for no apparent reason)
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Severe Indigestion or Vomiting

Reduce Your Risk

A heart healthy lifestyle is the foundation to decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease. Think about small improvements you can make and build on them over time to achieve improved health.

Eat Healthy Icon

Eat Heart Healthy

Incorporate more plant-based foods, whole grains, and healthy fats. Reduce intake of sodium, added sugars and meat, particularly red or processed meats.
Be Active

Be Active

Aim for 150 minutes of activity each week. If 30 minutes of daily continuous activity is challenging, consider three 10-minute sessions throughout the day.
Wellness

Maintain a Strong Network of Family and Friends

Social connections have many health benefits, including improved mood and lower levels of anxiety and depression.
Don't Smoke Icon

Avoid Tobacco Exposure

Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health. Avoid chewing and second-hand smoke as well.
PTO

Practice Positive Actions to Manage Stress

Taking time to relax and unwind can help lower blood pressure and improve sleep.
Planned Gift

Sleep 7-8 Hours Each Night

Studies have shown that too little or too much sleep can increase your risk of heart disease.

The more women understand their personal risk—and take actions to manage it—the better their chances of preventing serious events like heart attack and stroke. Visit the Penny Anderson Women’s Cardiovascular Center for more resources.

Download Women's Cardiovascular Risk & Timeline Resource