Recently, Dr. Diana Bitner of true. Women’s Health was on FOX 17 talking about American Heart Month and gave us a great reminder to check in on the health of your heart.
Heart disease can sound abstract until it affects someone you love. But here’s the reality: cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women. And yet, it’s also one of the most preventable chronic diseases we face.
As Dr. Bitner said, even one woman lost to heart disease is one too many–especially when we know there are steps we can take right now to change the trajectory.
What Is Cardiovascular Disease, Really?
Most people know heart disease involves “blocked arteries,” but fewer understand what’s actually happening inside those blood vessels or that it affects far more than just the heart.
Cardiovascular disease is a chronic, progressive condition that affects the blood vessels of the heart, brain, kidneys, and beyond. The same process can lead to:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- High blood pressure
- Kidney damage
- Even vascular dementia
At the center of it all is something called plaque–a buildup that develops slowly and silently over time.
How Plaque Forms (And Why It Matters)
Plaque isn’t just “fat in the arteries.” It’s more like a sticky, inflammatory mess your body tries (and struggles) to contain.
Here’s what happens step by step:
- LDL cholesterol (the small, dense kind) slips into the artery wall and becomes oxidized
- Foam cells (immune cells) rush in and swallow the cholesterol
- Inflammatory cells arrive, creating even more irritation
- Smooth muscle cells try to patch the area, but this makes the vessel stiffer
- A fibrous cap forms and calcium can deposit, turning the area hard and brittle
Over time, arteries lose their flexibility and ability to widen when your body needs more blood flow. That’s when symptoms–or sudden events–can happen.
How It Affects Different Organs
Because arteries run everywhere, plaque can cause problems throughout the body.
Heart: When you exercise or climb stairs, your heart needs more oxygen. If arteries can’t widen, you might feel:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Exercise intolerance
Kidneys: Your kidneys rely on strong blood flow to filter waste and regulate fluid. Stiff vessels can damage kidney tissue and contribute to high blood pressure.
Brain: Reduced blood flow to the brain increases risk for stroke and may contribute to memory decline and dementia over time.
This isn’t just about avoiding a heart attack. It’s about protecting the systems that keep you sharp, energized, and independent.
Why Women Need to Know Their Risk Sooner
One of the biggest challenges is that heart disease develops quietly for decades. The common risk calculator used in many offices (ASCVD score) is heavily weighted by age, meaning many women aren’t flagged as “high risk” until their mid-60s when plaque may already be well established.
Earlier insight gives you more power to prevent progression.
Numbers That Matter
Dr. Bitner encourages women to know:
- LDL cholesterol and advanced lipoprotein particles (ApoB, Lp(a))
- Hemoglobin A1C (average blood sugar over 3 months)
- Blood pressure–even slightly elevated numbers strain vessel walls
- Waist circumference (a marker of visceral fat and inflammation)
- Menopause status–loss of estrogen affects vessels and metabolism
- Coronary calcium score (a CT scan that detects early calcified plaque)
Even blood pressure in the “borderline” range–especially during stress, heavy exertion, or illness–can create tiny injuries in vessel walls where plaque can form or rupture.
Jane’s Story
Jane was 52 and always had one number in her mind: 55. That’s when her mom had her first heart attack.
Her LDL hovered around 130. She was a little overweight. Her fasting blood sugar was creeping up. Blood pressure? “Fine” at 125/75.
Then menopause hit and all her numbers climbed.
A menopause specialist recommended a coronary calcium score, and Jane was stunned to learn she already had calcified plaque in two arteries. Further testing showed elevated Lipoprotein(a) and ApoB, hidden risk factors that explained why plaque was forming despite “okay” standard labs.
Instead of feeling doomed, Jane felt relieved. Now she had answers and a plan to slow progression and protect her future.
Prevention Is Powerful
The good news? Plaque progression can be slowed and sometimes stabilized with consistent steps:
✔ Strength training and regular movement
✔ Anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich nutrition
✔ Blood pressure and blood sugar management
✔ Sleep and stress care
✔ Smoking cessation
✔ Targeted medical therapy when needed
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about reducing daily wear and tear on your blood vessels.
❤️ Your Takeaway This Heart Month
Heart disease doesn’t happen overnight and prevention doesn’t either. But small, informed actions add up.
If you are under 65, don’t assume your risk is low just because a calculator says so. Ask deeper questions. Know your numbers. Understand your personal risk.
Your heart, brain, and kidneys are counting on healthy blood flow for decades to come.
And the best time to protect them?
Now.