Women’s Heart Health Matters: Why Knowing Your Numbers Could Save Your Life
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States.
Not breast cancer.
Not something rare.
Not something that only happens later in life.
Cardiovascular disease accounts for 1 in 3 deaths in women — and nearly 90% of women have at least one risk factor.
Yet most women still don’t see themselves at risk.
In Episode 68 of the Her Resources Podcast, host Linda Misegadis sits down with Dr. Eman A. Hamad, Director of the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Program and Director of the Cardio-Oncology Program at Temple Health – Temple University Health System, for an eye-opening conversation about what every woman needs to know about her heart.
This episode is part of Women’s Heart Health Month — and it’s one every woman should hear.
Why Women’s Heart Health Is Often Overlooked
One of the most powerful insights from this conversation is that women often experience heart disease differently than men.
Heart attack symptoms in women can be subtle. Instead of the “elephant sitting on your chest” sensation commonly associated with men, women may experience:
Jaw pain
Neck pain
Back pain
Unexplained fatigue
Nausea
Persistent heartburn
Shortness of breath
Because these symptoms are less dramatic, they are often dismissed — by patients and sometimes even by providers.
Dr. Hamad explains that women are more likely to be misdiagnosed and may wait longer in emergency settings before receiving cardiac evaluation. Younger women, especially between 18–49, are particularly at risk for being overlooked.
This isn’t just biology — it’s systemic.
The Role of Race, Access & Representation
The episode also dives into disparities in women’s heart health.
Black and Hispanic women experience higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Social determinants of health — including access to care, income, education, and nutrition — significantly impact outcomes.
Women are also historically underrepresented in clinical trials, which affects how treatment guidelines are developed and applied.
The takeaway? One size does not fit all.
Advocacy matters.
Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
Dr. Hamad breaks down what women can and cannot control.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
Age
Family history
Race and ethnicity
Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)
Modifiable Risk Factors:
Blood pressure
Cholesterol
Blood sugar (A1C)
BMI
Smoking
Physical activity
Sleep
Diet
These fall under what the American Heart Association calls Life’s Essential 8 — a framework designed to improve cardiovascular health.
You can learn more from the American Heart Association here:
https://www.heart.org/en/
Follow the American Heart Association on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-heart-association/
Know Your Numbers
If there was one theme that echoed throughout this episode, it was this:
Know your numbers.
Dr. Hamad emphasizes that many women don’t “feel” high blood pressure or high cholesterol until serious damage has already occurred.
Key numbers to know:
Blood pressure (goal: under 120/80)
LDL cholesterol
A1C (goal under 5.7 if non-diabetic)
BMI
Early detection prevents long-term complications like heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.
If you haven’t had a check-up in years, this episode is your reminder.
“Be Your Own Hero”
One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Dr. Hamad shares:
“You cannot care for somebody else before you care for yourself. You have to be present in order to do that. Be your own hero.”
Women are often caregivers, leaders, nurturers, and decision-makers. But leadership begins with health.
Being your own hero means:
Scheduling the appointment
Asking the follow-up question
Seeking a second opinion if something feels off
Advocating for yourself in clinical settings
Your health is not optional. It is foundational.
Thank You to Temple Health
A sincere thank you to Temple Health – Temple University Health System for their leadership in cardiovascular care and for supporting conversations that empower women.
Learn more about Dr. Eman A. Hamad here:
https://www.templehealth.org/doctors/eman-hamad
Temple Health – Temple University Health System:
https://www.templehealth.org/
Listen to Episode 68
Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@HerResourcesPodcast
Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts:
https://linktr.ee/hrpodcast
Final Reflection
If every woman did one thing this month for her heart, Dr. Hamad’s advice is simple:
Start with your blood pressure.
Know it. Track it. Manage it.
Because empowered women make informed decisions — especially about their health.
This Women’s Heart Health Month, be your own hero.