Feb 01, 2026
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States — yet it’s often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, or overlooked. While cardiologists play an important role in managing heart disease, your OB-GYN is often the first provider to identify early cardiovascular risk factors and help you take action long before symptoms appear.
During Heart Health Awareness Month, it’s important to understand how your OB-GYN supports not just reproductive health, but your whole-body wellness, including the health of your heart.
At Together Women's Health, we believe preventive care and early education are powerful tools that help women stay healthy at every age and stage of life.
Heart disease doesn’t always look the same in women as it does in men. While chest pain is a well-known warning sign, women may experience symptoms such as:
Because these symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for stress, hormonal changes, or aging, heart disease in women is sometimes diagnosed later than it should be.
That’s where routine care with your OB-GYN becomes especially important.
For many women, their OB-GYN is the provider they see most consistently over the course of their adult life. These regular visits allow your provider to monitor changes over time and identify risk factors early.
During well-woman exams, OB-GYNs routinely assess factors linked to heart health, including:
Identifying patterns early allows your provider to recommend lifestyle changes, additional screenings, or referrals when appropriate — often before heart disease develops.
Certain pregnancy-related conditions are now recognized as important indicators of future cardiovascular risk. These include:
Women who experience these conditions may have a higher risk of heart disease later in life. OB-GYNs play a critical role in identifying these risks, counseling patients, and ensuring long-term follow-up beyond pregnancy.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can also impact heart health. As estrogen levels decline, women may experience changes in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and fat distribution all of which influence cardiovascular risk.
Your OB-GYN can help you navigate these transitions with personalized guidance and preventive strategies.
Heart health is influenced by daily habits, and OB-GYN visits provide a trusted space to discuss realistic, sustainable lifestyle changes.
Your provider may talk with you about:
These conversations are an essential part of preventive care and can have a lasting impact on both cardiovascular and overall health.
Well-woman exams are not just about reproductive health — they’re a cornerstone of preventive care. These visits offer an opportunity to:
When it comes to heart health, consistency matters. Annual visits help ensure small changes are addressed before they become serious concerns.
Heart Health Awareness Month is a reminder that protecting your heart is a lifelong journey — and your OB-GYN is an important partner along the way.
At Together Women’s Health, our providers are committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that supports women’s health from head to heart.