February: Heart Health Awareness Month

How Your OB-GYN Supports Heart Health at Every Stage of Life

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.

Why Heart Health Looks Different for Women

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:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Nausea or stomach pain
• Jaw, neck, or back pain
• Lightheadedness

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.

The OB-GYN’s Role in Cardiovascular Prevention

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:

• Blood pressure
• Weight and body mass index (BMI)
• Family history of heart disease
• Blood sugar concerns
• Cholesterol history
• Lifestyle habits such as physical activity, nutrition, smoking, and stress

Identifying patterns early allows your provider to recommend lifestyle changes, additional screenings, or referrals when appropriate — often before heart disease develops.

Pregnancy, Hormones, and Long-Term Heart Health

Certain pregnancy-related conditions are now recognized as important indicators of future cardiovascular risk. These include:

• Preeclampsia
• Gestational diabetes
• Pregnancy-related high blood pressure
• Preterm delivery

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.

Lifestyle Guidance That Protects Your Heart

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:

• Building a balanced, heart-healthy diet
• Incorporating regular movement into your routine
• Managing stress and sleep
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use

These conversations are an essential part of preventive care and can have a lasting impact on both cardiovascular and overall health.

Why Annual Well-Woman Exams Matter for Your Heart

Well-woman exams are not just about reproductive health — they’re a cornerstone of preventive care. These visits offer an opportunity to:

• Track changes over time
• Address new symptoms or concerns
• Review family and personal health history
• Stay current on screenings
• Create a proactive plan for long-term wellness

When it comes to heart health, consistency matters. Annual visits help ensure small changes are addressed before they become serious concerns.

Protecting Your Heart Starts With Preventive Care

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.

➡️ Schedule your annual well-woman exam today and take an important step toward protecting your heart and your future.