Heart Disease in Women
The risk we’re still underestimating
You might recognise this story.
She’s up early. Packing lunches. Getting everyone out the door. Heading to work. Managing deadlines. Booking appointments. Remembering birthdays. Making sure everyone else is okay.
She feels fine. That’s what we hear often.
And yet, when we check her blood pressure or review her medication, we sometimes uncover elevated readings, high cholesterol or early metabolic risk, quietly developing without symptoms.
When we think about serious health risks for women, breast cancer is often front of mind. However, heart disease in women remains one of the leading causes of death in Australia, and many women don’t realise their risk.
At Bendigo UFS Pharmacy, we would like to support those women who feel well but may not know they are living with silent cardiovascular risk factors by conducting women's health checks. Understanding women’s heart health is one of the most powerful steps toward prevention.
The Silent Nature of Heart Disease in Women
Conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol often develop without symptoms. Hypertension is frequently called the silent killer because it can quietly damage blood vessels for years before a heart attack or stroke occurs.
Many women are unaware they have:
Elevated blood pressure
High cholesterol
Early-stage diabetes
This is why regular heart health checks are so important, even when you feel fine.
Why Heart Disease Is Less Recognised in Women
Heart disease has historically been seen as more common in men, but that perception is outdated.
Women often:
Develop heart disease later in life
Experience more subtle symptoms
Delay seeking help
Have symptoms that don’t match “classic” chest pain
Heart Attack Symptoms: What’s Different?
Source: Heart Research Australia
If symptoms feel unusual or “not normal,” call 000 immediately.
Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
Heart disease can occur at any age, but risk increases significantly around menopause.
Oestrogen helps maintain blood vessel flexibility and supports healthy circulation. As levels drop during menopause, cardiovascular risk increases. Women over 45 years (or over 35 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) are encouraged to have a Heart Health Check with their GP.
Discussing pregnancy history is also important, as certain complications can increase long-term cardiovascular risk.
Lifestyle Changes That Protect Your Heart
Evidence consistently supports:
✔ 30 minutes of exercise, 3–5 times per week
✔ A diet rich in vegetables, fruit and whole foods
✔ Maintaining a healthy weight
✔ Smoking cessation
✔ Managing stress and sleep
Small, sustainable changes deliver long-term heart protection.
How Bendigo UFS Supports Women’s Heart Health
We can assist with:
Blood pressure monitoring
Medication reviews
Supplement interaction advice
Smoking cessation support
Referral guidance to local GP services
If you’re over 45, haven’t had your blood pressure checked recently, or simply want reassurance, visit your local UFS Pharmacy to have your blood pressure checked today or book an appointment online.
HEALTH ADVICE
