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Heart Health

Women's unique risks for heart disease

Differences in hormones, anatomy, and other factors may explain the often-overlooked contributors to cardiovascular disease in women.

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
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A mature woman holds a hand to her chest as she experiences chest pain while sitting on a couch in her home

Only about half of women in the United States recognize that heart disease is their leading cause of death, despite longstanding nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about this fact. Currently, about half of adult women in this country have some form of cardiovascular disease - a figure that's projected to rise in coming decades.

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About the Author

photo of Julie Corliss

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

Julie Corliss has been the executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter since 2013. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Women’s Health Watch, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard … See Full Bio
View all posts by Julie Corliss

About the Reviewer

photo of Nandita S. Scott, MD

Nandita S. Scott, MD, Contributor

Dr. Nandita S. Scott is the Ellertson Family Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine, and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. She is also director emerita of the Mass General Brigham Women’s Heart Health … See Full Bio
View all posts by Nandita S. Scott, MD
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