“Awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have for prevention.”

In this episode, the conversation focuses on an important but often misunderstood topic: heart disease in women.

For many years, heart disease has commonly been perceived as a men’s health issue. That perception has shaped research, diagnosis, and even how symptoms are interpreted. But the reality tells a different story. Heart disease remains one of the leading health risks for women, and the warning signs are frequently subtle, misunderstood, or missed entirely.

Michael is joined by Loreen Wales, CEO of My Viva Plan, and Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna, Medical Liaison for My Viva Plan, to explore why women’s heart health has historically received less attention and why that needs to change.

Part of the challenge lies in how research has been conducted over the decades. Women’s bodies, influenced by hormonal cycles and life stages such as pregnancy and menopause, add layers of complexity to clinical studies. Rather than embracing that complexity, much of early cardiovascular research focused primarily on men. As a result, many diagnostic models and treatment guidelines were built on male data.

That gap has real-world consequences. Women experiencing heart disease may present with symptoms that look different from the classic chest pain often associated with heart attacks. Fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back can be signs that something is wrong. Because these symptoms can appear less dramatic or less obvious, they are sometimes overlooked.

The conversation also explores how life stages such as menopause can significantly shift cardiovascular risk. Hormonal changes influence metabolism, blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation—factors that all play a role in heart health.

Lifestyle medicine offers an important framework for prevention and long-term health. By focusing on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, avoiding harmful substances, and social connection, women can reduce risk factors and support heart health across every stage of life.

At its core, the discussion is about awareness. Understanding the differences in how heart disease presents in women is essential for patients, clinicians, and families alike.

When awareness improves, earlier detection becomes possible—and that can save lives.

PULL QUOTES

“Heart disease has long been perceived as a men’s issue, but the reality is very different.” — Michael Dargie

“Women’s heart disease has historically been studied less than men’s.” — Loreen Wales

“Women’s bodies are complex, but that complexity is exactly why we should study them more.” — Loreen Wales

“The symptoms of heart disease in women can look very different from what people expect.” — Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna

“Awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have for prevention.” — Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:56] The Topic: Heart Disease in Women

The episode opens by addressing the long-standing misconception that heart disease primarily affects men.

[00:01:30] Why the Perception Exists

Historically, cardiovascular research focused more heavily on men, shaping how heart disease is understood today.

[00:02:00] The Research Gap

Women’s heart health has been less studied due to hormonal complexity and changing physiology across life stages.

[00:05:30] Why Complexity Should Encourage More Research

Understanding women’s biology offers critical insights that benefit the entire healthcare system.

[00:09:45] Symptoms Can Look Different

Women may experience fatigue, nausea, breathlessness, or jaw and back pain rather than classic chest pain.

[00:16:20] Life Stages and Heart Health

Pregnancy, hormonal shifts, and menopause all influence cardiovascular risk.

[00:23:10] The Role of Lifestyle Medicine

Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management help support heart health and reduce risk factors.

[00:30:40] Awareness Saves Lives

Understanding the unique presentation of heart disease in women improves early detection and treatment.

LINKS FROM EPISODE

• My Viva Plan – https://myvivaplan.com

• American College of Lifestyle Medicine – https://lifestylemedicine.org

• Heart and Stroke Foundation – https://heartandstroke.ca