Women and Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a disease in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis. The buildup of plaque occurs over many years.

Over time, plaque can harden or rupture (break open). Hardened plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. If the plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form on its surface. A large blood clot can mostly or completely block blood flow through a coronary artery. Over time, ruptured plaque also hardens and narrows the coronary arteries.

Other types of heart disease, such as coronary microvascular disease and broken heart syndrome [external link to] also pose a risk for women. These disorders, which mainly affect women, are not as well understood as coronary heart disease. The following links will provide you with more information about these types of heart disease:

• Coronary Microvascular Disease (MVD)
• Broken Heart Syndrome

Women and men sometimes experience a heart attack in different ways. Many women think the signs of a heart attack are unmistakable, like the image of the elephant sitting on your chest. But in fact, symptoms can be subtler and sometimes confusing.

Visit the American Heart Association’s Heart Attack Signs in Women to learn more about how heart attacks affect women.

You First (formerly Ladies First) helps eligible Vermonters get breast, cervical and heart health screenings. Our members get free mammograms, Pap tests and heart health checkups (blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar testing). You First also pays for diagnostic tests when needed. Our Clinical Navigator is available to provide support and guidance. We also can refer our members to free help for quitting smoking, nutrition counseling and health coaching, and by paying for certain weight loss programs. 

• Go Red for Women
• How Does Heart Disease Affect Women?
• The Heart Truth
• You First (formerly Ladies First)