A woman’s heart goes through many changes in her life, and each stage like pregnancy, midlife, and menopause brings its own risks and challenges. During pregnancy, the heart works much harder than usual. It pumps more blood, beats faster, and supports both the mother and the baby. For most women, this is not a problem, but some face health issues like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia. Doctors now know that these problems are not just “pregnancy issues” that go away but they can be warning signs of future heart disease. Women who have these conditions during pregnancy may be at a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or high blood pressure years later, which is why regular health check-ups after delivery are important.

After pregnancy, life can get very busy. Between looking after children, managing work, and taking care of family, many women put their own health last. But this is a crucial time to develop heart-healthy habits like eating balanced meals, getting daily exercise, managing stress, and checking blood pressure and cholesterol regularly can protect the heart in the long run.

In their 30s and 40s, many women experience gradual hormonal changes. Estrogen, a hormone that helps keep blood vessels flexible and supports healthy cholesterol levels which starts to drop slowly. At the same time, stress, lack of sleep, and less physical activity can put extra strain on the heart. Without noticing, small unhealthy habits can build up and increase heart disease risk.

Menopause, which usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, brings a bigger drop in estrogen. This change removes some of the natural protection women had against heart disease. As a result, cholesterol levels can rise, blood vessels can become stiffer, and weight especially around the stomach can increase. All these changes raise the chance of heart problems. A woman who had no heart health issues before menopause may suddenly find herself with high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

What makes heart disease in women more complicated is that the symptoms are not always the same as in men. While men often feel severe chest pain during a heart attack, women may feel short of breath, unusually tired, dizzy, nauseous, or have pain in the jaw, neck, or back. These signs are often mistaken for stress or stomach problems, which can delay life-saving treatment.

Menopause should not be seen only as the end of a woman’s reproductive years but it is also a good time to review overall health. Women should talk to their doctors about their personal risk factors, family history, and whether they need tests such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, or heart scans. Taking action at this stage can greatly reduce future heart problems.

One of the biggest challenges for women’s health is that many put the needs of their family before their own. This means they may delay going to the doctor or ignore warning signs. But prevention is always better than treatment. Simple steps can make a big difference like choosing fresh, home-cooked food over processed snacks, walking or exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, practicing yoga or meditation for stress, sleeping well, and making sure medical check-ups are not skipped.

It is also important to understand that heart disease is not just a “man’s problem.” It is the leading cause of death for women in India and worldwide. Greater awareness, open conversations, and sharing real-life stories of women who faced heart problems can encourage others to take their heart health seriously.

From the excitement of pregnancy to the hormonal changes of menopause, a woman’s heart goes through many phases. But with awareness, regular check-ups, and healthy daily habits, women can keep their hearts strong and healthy for years to come. Protecting the heart is not just about living longer as it is about living better, with the energy and strength to enjoy every stage of life.

(The writer is a Lead Consultant - Cardiology & Interventional Cardiology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.)