Heart Disease in Women: Silent Symptoms and Integrative Prevention

by | Feb 12, 2025 | Women's Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women, yet it is often underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Many women experience silent symptoms of cardiovascular disease, which leads to delayed treatment and increased complications.

The three major types of heart disease affecting women are:

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Narrowed arteries restrict blood flow, increasing heart attack risk.

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Known as the “silent killer,” it raises the risk of stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.

  • Heart Failure: The heart weakens and struggles to pump blood effectively.

Emerging research also shows the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in heart health, influencing cholesterol metabolism, inflammation, and harmful byproducts such as TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide).

The good news? Heart disease is largely preventable. Lifestyle changes not only protect the heart but also reduce the risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in Women

What Is CAD?

CAD develops when plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. This is a major cause of heart attacks and heart failure in women.

Who Is at Risk?

  • 1 in 3 women dies from heart disease.

  • Risk rises after menopause due to declining estrogen.

  • Women often develop CAD later than men but face more severe complications.

Symptoms of CAD in Women

Unlike men, women may not have classic chest pain. Instead, symptoms may include:

  • Unexplained fatigue

  • Shortness of breath

  • Pain in the jaw, neck, back, or shoulders

  • Dizziness or nausea

  • Palpitations or cold sweats

Root Causes of CAD

  • Chronic inflammation from diet, stress, or toxins

  • Insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalance

  • Nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, omega-3s, vitamin D, CoQ10)

  • Hormonal shifts (low estrogen, testosterone, progesterone)

  • Thyroid imbalances

  • Gut dysbiosis that drives inflammation and TMAO production

Integrative Treatment & Prevention for CAD

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory diet with leafy greens, berries, omega-3s, and beets

  • Use key nutrients such as CoQ10, magnesium, and hawthorn berry for circulation

  • Manage stress with adaptogens like ashwagandha

  • Include strength training and cardio exercise

  • Support detoxification by reducing BPA and heavy metal exposure

  • Promote gut health with probiotics, fiber, and polyphenol-rich foods

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) in Women

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is called the “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms until damage has occurred. It raises the risk of stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.

Who Is at Risk?

  • 1 in 3 women has hypertension.

  • Risk increases after menopause due to hormone changes.

  • Pregnancy-related hypertension (preeclampsia) raises long-term risk.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Headaches

  • Chest pain

  • Dizziness

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue

  • Nosebleeds (in severe cases)

Root Causes of Hypertension

  • Diet high in sodium and low in potassium

  • Chronic stress and elevated cortisol

  • Nutrient imbalances (low magnesium, potassium, CoQ10)

  • Insulin resistance and blood sugar problems

  • Hormonal changes affecting vascular health

  • Gut dysbiosis influencing blood pressure regulation

Integrative Treatment & Prevention for Hypertension

  • Eat potassium- and magnesium-rich foods such as avocados, bananas, and spinach

  • Drink hibiscus tea to lower blood pressure naturally

  • Reduce sodium and processed foods

  • Exercise with both strength and cardio training

  • Optimize sleep and circadian rhythm

Heart Failure in Women

What Is Heart Failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, causing fatigue, fluid buildup, and shortness of breath. Women are more likely to develop Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), often linked to hypertension, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction.

Who Is at Risk?

  • More than 3 million women in the U.S. live with heart failure.

  • Women are hospitalized more often than men for heart failure.

  • Risk rises post-menopause due to vascular and metabolic changes.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath (especially when lying down)

  • Fatigue

  • Swelling in legs, ankles, or abdomen

  • Rapid weight gain from fluid retention

  • Frequent nighttime urination

Root Causes

  • Hypertension and chronic inflammation

  • Insulin resistance and diabetes

  • Hormonal changes after menopause

  • Toxic exposure and heavy metals

  • Nutrient deficiencies (low magnesium, CoQ10, potassium)

Integrative Treatment & Prevention for Heart Failure

  • Support energy production with CoQ10, D-Ribose, and hawthorn berry

  • Eat a heart-supportive diet with omega-3s, magnesium, and potassium

  • Ensure adequate protein intake to maintain muscle and cardiovascular health

  • Manage fluid retention with hydration, sodium reduction, and lymphatic massage

  • Lower stress and improve sleep

  • Engage in moderate aerobic and strength exercise

Prevention Is Possible

Heart disease in women is preventable with the right lifestyle choices. By focusing on diet, exercise, stress management, sleep, and gut health, women can lower their risk of heart disease and related chronic illnesses.

Nursing your journey to lasting wellness.

Dr. Stasha-Gae Roberts, DNP, MPH, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

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