Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, responsible for 1 in 3 deaths each year and claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Yet there’s a dangerous gap between this reality and public awareness. Women’s heart attack symptoms often differ from men’s, their risk factors are frequently overlooked, and their concerns are sometimes dismissed—even by healthcare providers.

This February, during American Heart Month, Women in Print Alliance is committed to helping change that narrative. Understanding how heart disease uniquely affects women could save your life, the life of an employee or teammate, or the life of someone you love.

The Silent Epidemic: Why Women’s Hearts Matter

In 2023, heart disease was responsible for the deaths of 304,970 women. Currently, only about half (56%) of U.S. women recognize that heart disease is their number one killer, according to the CDC.

It’s important for women to educate each other within their workplaces and communities on the facts, symptoms, and risks to prevent cardiovascular disease. A great place to start—differentiate the facts from the myths.

Myth: Heart disease only affects older adults.
Fact: Cardiovascular disease affects women of all ages, even those who lead a healthy lifestyle.

Myth: I don’t have any symptoms, so my heart must be healthy.
Fact: Many heart conditions develop quietly over time and you might not know you have heart disease until a serious symptom presents itself. This is why regular checkups and ingraining healthy habits are so important.

Myth: Cardiovascular disease doesn’t affect women who are fit.
Fact: Even if you’re consistently exercising and are thin, your cholesterol, eating habits and smoking can cancel out your other healthy habits. The American Heart Association recommends women start getting their cholesterol checked at 20 or earlier if your family has a history of heart disease.

Recognizing the Signs

Many women also don’t experience the “classic” symptoms of heart disease, and it can be difficult at times to translate. While the most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, women may experience different or less obvious warning signs, including:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Back or jaw pain
  • Cold sweats

Recognizing these symptoms in yourself – or in colleagues, friends, and loved ones – and seeking immediate care is critical.

Cardiovascular disease is also the number one killer of new mothers, accounting for over one-third of maternal deaths. According to Go Red for Women, Black women face some of the highest maternal mortality rates, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, advocacy, and equitable care.

How Print Workplaces Can Support Women’s Heart Health:

Workplaces play a vital role in promoting heart health and awareness. Print industry employers can help support women through these six best practices:

  1. Flexible work arrangements, especially for women balancing professional and family responsibilities
  2. Maternal health support, including maternity leave policies, lactation rooms, and resources for women returning to work
  3. Tobacco-free workplace policies
  4. Encouraging movement, such as walking meetings, stretch breaks, or yoga sessions
  5. CPR and emergency response training to equip employees with lifesaving skills
  6. Ongoing education campaigns, during February’s Heart Month and throughout the year

This American Heart Month, commit to prioritizing your heart health and encouraging other women in your workplace to do the same. By staying informed, listening to women’s experiences, and supporting heart-healthy environments, we can help save lives one conversation at a time.