Uncover the Hidden Risks: How These Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits Elevate Heart Disease Risk for Women

New research shows that certain lifestyle choices can impact heart health differently for women compared to men. A study by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto found that eight key habits—such as diet, sleep, exercise, and smoking—affect women’s heart health significantly more than they do men’s.

The study, which looked at data from over 175,000 Canadian adults, will be shared at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session in March 2025. The participants had no prior heart conditions and were tracked over 11 years to see how these habits influenced outcomes like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Remarkably, women were more likely to have ideal health scores compared to men, yet their risk of heart disease was disproportionately higher.

Dr. Maneesh Sud, the study’s lead author, noted that while women typically exhibit better overall health, the same risk factors can pose greater threats to them. For instance, women with poor health had nearly five times the risk of heart disease than those deemed in ideal health, contrasted with a 2.5-fold increase for men.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinician at NYU Langone Health, points to life milestones such as pregnancy and menopause as crucial factors. Hormonal changes during these times may affect heart health, particularly since estrogen—a hormone that can help protect the heart—drops significantly after menopause.

Another expert, Dr. Bradley Serwer, emphasizes the need for focused research on women’s heart health. He states that premenopausal women typically have a lower cardiovascular risk, but this risk rises after menopause, indicating a gap in our understanding of women’s heart health compared to men’s.

As we learn more about these differences, it becomes clear that heart disease is not the same for everyone. This research underlines the importance of using tailored approaches to assess heart disease risk in women.

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