Heart Smart: Women’s Heart Health Tips with Dr Sneha

Curated by Dr Sneha Wadhwani, GP and National Clinical Director of Evoca Women’s Health

Today’s theme is Heart Smart – and it’s close to mine (literally!). Heart health isn’t just a “men’s issue” – in fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australian women. But here’s the good news: there’s so much we can do to reduce our risk and take care of our hearts.

Risk factors you should know

Just like men, women share many of the classic risk factors for heart disease – things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. But there are also some heart issues that are more common in women.

One example is something called MINOCA – a heart attack with no obstructive coronary artery disease. It’s a reminder that women’s hearts don’t always follow the “rule book.”

And here’s another important point: heart attacks can look different in women. Instead of the “Hollywood” chest-clutching pain, women may feel breathless, nauseous, unusually tired, or experience pain in the jaw, back, or stomach. This is one reason heart attacks are often misdiagnosed in women.

Hormonal changes and your heart

If you’re going through perimenopause or menopause, your heart health deserves extra attention. Hormonal changes during this stage can affect cholesterol and fat storage, especially around the heart. This can increase cardiovascular risk.

It’s not all doom and gloom though – knowing this means we can be proactive. Regular heart checks, blood tests, and discussions with your GP can help keep you on top of things.

2. Small lifestyle changes, big difference

The best part? Everyday choices can make a huge impact on heart health. Here are my top recommendations:

Eat the Mediterranean way – plenty of fruit, veggies, olive oil, fish, and whole grains.
Exercise regularly – even a brisk walk counts.
Moderate alcohol – less is best.
Quit smoking – one of the most powerful things you can do for your heart.

And don’t forget about family history. If high cholesterol or heart disease runs in your family, ask your GP whether special blood tests could give you more clarity on your personal risk.

Being heart smart isn’t about fear – it’s about awareness. By knowing your risks, making small lifestyle tweaks, and staying connected with your GP, you can take charge of your heart health at every age.

Your heart does so much for you every single day – let’s give it the care it deserves.

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