Why Heart Health Matters for Women

Heart disease is often perceived as a man’s problem, but it’s one of the biggest health issues facing women in the UK. Despite progress in awareness, diagnosis and treatment still lag behind. This article explores the importance of female cardiac health, the unique risk factors women face, and how personalised action - including at-home testing - can help women protect their hearts.

Why heart disease in women is overlooked

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death among women worldwide. The British Heart Foundation says that in the UK, women are twice as likely to die from coronary heart disease as they are from breast cancer. Yet public awareness still lags behind that of male cardiac health. Women often experience different heart attack symptoms than men, and healthcare professionals may not always recognise the signs.

The British Heart Foundation has identified a persistent gender gap in both diagnosis and treatment. Women are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed or misdiagnosed - with serious consequences for their long-term health.

The unique risk factors women face

While both sexes share many cardiovascular risk factors – such as high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol and inactivity - women face additional risks due to hormonal changes and certain life stages.

Menopause and cholesterol

Oestrogen has a protective effect on the heart, helping to regulate cholesterol and maintain healthy blood vessels. But during menopause, oestrogen levels fall, leading to a rise in LDL ("bad") cholesterol and a drop in HDL ("good") cholesterol. This change can significantly increase a woman’s risk of heart disease - often without any obvious warning signs.

Research from HEART UK and the British Heart Foundation highlights the importance of keeping cholesterol under control during and after menopause, even if you feel healthy. This is a key time for women to check in on their heart health and take preventative steps.

Pregnancy and other hormone-related conditions

Certain pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, can increase future heart disease risk. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormone-related condition that affects how the ovaries work and early menopause are also associated with a higher cardiovascular risk.

These risk factors are often not flagged during routine GP visits, meaning women may miss the opportunity to take action early.

Recognising subtle signs of heart attack in women

Another reason female cardiac health is sometimes under-addressed is that the early signs can be easy to miss. Women may not experience the classic chest pain associated with a heart attack. Instead, they might feel:

Breathlessness
Nausea or an unsettled stomach
Discomfort in the back or jaw
Light-headedness
Unusual fatigue or sleep disturbance

These symptoms are often mistaken for less serious issues like stress, indigestion, or anxiety. Paying attention to these early cues - and seeking advice if something feels off - can support earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Lifestyle tips to support female heart health

Lifestyle changes remain an important part of supporting heart health. Here are some key tips for women to help reduce their risk:

Quit smoking: Stopping smoking rapidly reduces heart risk - and it's never too late to benefit.
Stay active: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week - brisk walking, cycling, or swimming all count.
Eat heart-healthy foods: Focus on fibre-rich vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and pumpkin seeds. Cut back on saturated fat and salt such as red meat, biscuits, salted crisps and instant noodles.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess fat, particularly around the waist, increases the strain on your heart.
Limit alcohol: Stick to recommended guidelines and include alcohol-free days.
Prioritise sleep and stress management: Chronic stress and poor sleep affect blood pressure and inflammation.

Making consistent, sustainable changes can help protect your heart at any age.

Why testing matters and how to do it at home

Understanding your cholesterol levels is one of the most powerful tools in maintaining good heart health. Raised cholesterol often has no symptoms, so the only way to detect it is with a blood test. Given cholesterol is a modifiable risk factor, identifying elevated levels early allows for timely action and prevention.

Many women delay getting tested – whether due to time pressures, a lack of symptoms, or the assumption that they’re too young. But checking in regularly, especially around menopause, allows for early action and peace of mind.

MyHealthChecked’s Cholesterol Profile Blood Test offers a convenient and comprehensive way to assess your heart health from the comfort of your home. This at-home test will provide you with a comprehensive wellness profile, measuring key biomarkers related to your cholesterol to help you identify any areas that need attention.

Specifically, the test measures:

HDL cholesterol: Often referred to as 'good' cholesterol, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries. Higher levels are beneficial as they can lower your risk of heart disease by clearing cholesterol buildup.
LDL cholesterol: Known as 'bad' cholesterol, LDL can accumulate in your artery walls, leading to plaque formation. High levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Total cholesterol: This indicates the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both HDL and LDL.
Total cholesterol: HDL ratio: Evaluates the balance between your 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol. A lower ratio is generally better, indicating a higher proportion of protective HDL relative to total cholesterol.
Non-HDL cholesterol: Captures all the potentially harmful types of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL and other lipid particles, providing a more comprehensive assessment of your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Triglycerides: A type of fat found in your blood, which are an important source of energy. Elevated levels can increase the risk of heart disease.

The test process is straightforward. You begin by activating your test by scanning the QR code provided with your kit. Next, you collect your blood sample using the finger-prick method. Finally, you send your sample to MyHealthChecked's UK-based laboratory using the prepaid envelope.

Results are typically available within 2–3 working days and are reviewed by a GP, who provides recommendations on your next steps to help you maintain optimal cardiovascular health.

Proactivity makes a difference

Every woman’s heart health journey is different - shaped by hormones, genetics, lifestyle and life stages, and what works for one person might not suit another. That’s why a proactive approach to understanding now, can help to determine the actions we take and get us ahead of the game.

At-home cholesterol testing provides accessible insights that can help guide better health decisions. Whether you’re navigating menopause, managing stress, or simply want to be proactive, knowing your numbers helps put you in control.

By understanding the risks and acting early, women can reduce their chance of developing heart disease and improve their overall wellbeing.

In summary

Heart disease continues to be a major health concern for women in the UK, yet it’s often overlooked. Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, along with conditions like PCOS and early menopause, can increase cardiovascular risk. Women may experience different or more subtle signs of a heart attack than men, which can delay diagnosis. Thankfully, many of these risks can be managed through simple lifestyle choices such as improving diet, staying active, quitting smoking, and reducing stress. Regular cholesterol checks – especially using convenient at-home tests – can empower women to understand their health better and take proactive steps. Staying informed and engaged with your heart health is one of the most effective ways to support long-term wellbeing.

Reviewed by Dr Gavin Ralston

References

1. European Society of Cardiology. Women and cardiovascular disease. 2023. Available from: https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Advocacy/women-and-cardiovascular-disease

2. British Heart Foundation. Women and heart disease: the gender gap. 2023. Available from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/women-with-a-heart-condition/women-and-heart-disease

3. British Heart Foundation. Women and heart attacks. 2023. Available from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/heart-attack/signs-and-symptoms-of-heart-attacks-in-women

4. HEART UK. Cholesterol & the menopause. 2023. Available from: https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/cholesterol-the-menopause

5. British Heart Foundation. Menopause and heart and circulatory conditions. 2023. Available from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/women-with-a-heart-condition/menopause-and-heart-disease

6. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification (NG238). 2023. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng238

7. British Heart Foundation. Heart and circulatory disease statistics 2024. 2024. Available from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-compendium-2024-v3.pdf