The Silent Threat: What Women Need to Know About Heart Disease
- Ricky Trigalo
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
When we think about women’s health, our minds often go to hormones, menopause, or reproductive health. But did you know that heart disease in women is the #1 killer worldwide—including in the United States?
It’s a silent epidemic, and one that’s far too often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or missed altogether. As a functional medicine practitioner, I believe education is power. So let’s break down why heart health for women looks very different from what you’ve been told—and what you can do to protect your heart.
Why Heart Disease in Women Is Different
Female bodies have unique heart health risks, including:
Menopause: Estrogen is naturally protective of the heart. As estrogen levels drop after menopause, your risk for heart disease rises sharply.
Pregnancy-related conditions: Issues like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and even conditions like PCOS and endometriosis increase long-term cardiovascular risk.
Delayed diagnosis: Studies show women are twice as likely as men to have their symptoms dismissed as “stress” or “anxiety,” leading to delayed or missed care.
What Does a Heart Attack Look Like in Women?
You’ve heard of chest pain as the classic sign—but that’s just part of the story.
Women often experience non-traditional symptoms, including:
Pain in the neck, jaw, back, throat, or arms
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
Heartburn or nausea
These symptoms are subtle—and they’re why heart disease in women often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
🐟 Omega-3s: A Natural Way to Support Women’s Heart Health
🫀 Research shows that 3 grams of omega-3s (EPA & DHA) per day is the sweet spot for heart protection and lowering cardiovascular risk in women. Most adults get only 0.1 grams of omega-3s daily—far below the 3 grams needed for optimal heart, brain, and inflammation support.
💡 Aim for 3 grams of EPA & DHA daily. Here’s how to get it through food:
4 oz wild salmon, mackerel, or trout
6 oz canned tuna
7 small sardines
🧠 While plant-based sources like chia seeds or flaxseeds contain omega-3s (ALA), your body converts less than 10% into the active forms (EPA & DHA). So for true heart protection, fish or high-quality omega-3 supplements are your best bet.
A Functional Approach to Heart Disease Prevention in Women
At Life Changing Wellness, I specialize in functional medicine for women, helping you protect your heart through personalized nutrition, lifestyle guidance, and root-cause lab testing.
✅ Want to know your omega-3 levels?
✅ Interested in functional blood chemistry analysis?
✅ Curious about how your hormones affect your heart?
Let’s talk. You can start with a free discovery call or explore the services I offer
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