Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, yet medical research and treatment protocols have historically centered on male physiology, resulting in systemic misdiagnosis and the dismissal of female symptoms as "atypical." Dr. Stacey Rosen, a leading cardiologist and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women's Health, emphasizes that pregnancy and menopause serve as critical cardiovascular stress tests that require proactive, gender-specific monitoring. Beyond traditional risk factors, conditions like microvascular disease and spontaneous coronary artery dissection disproportionately affect women, often going undiagnosed due to outdated medical training. Optimizing heart health requires a holistic approach, including the "Life's Essential Eight" lifestyle habits, early cholesterol and blood pressure management, and aggressive self-advocacy. By moving beyond organ-specific silos and integrating data across life stages, medicine can better address the unique cardiovascular needs of the female population.
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