Heart disease is often thought of as a men’s health issue, but it remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Women may experience different symptoms than men, and their risk factors can also be influenced by hormonal changes, pregnancy complications, and autoimmune conditions. Because of these differences, women are sometimes underdiagnosed or treated later in the progression of disease. Addressing these unique needs is essential for early detection, prevention, and long-term care.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Kimberley Shine, MD, takes a personalized approach to helping women manage their heart health. A board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Shine blends evidence-based cardiology care with integrative and functional medicine to address both symptoms and underlying risk factors.
Risk Factors for Women
While many risk factors for heart disease are shared between men and women, certain conditions uniquely or disproportionately affect women. These include:
- Hormonal Changes: Menopause, low estrogen, or hormone imbalances can increase cardiovascular risks.
- Pregnancy Complications: Conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and hypertension during pregnancy can raise long-term risk.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis occur more often in women and may increase heart disease risk.
- Metabolic Concerns: Diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome can affect women differently, often raising risks at lower thresholds than in men.
- Stress and Mental Health: Anxiety and depression, more common in women, may also influence cardiovascular health.
Recognizing these unique factors helps create prevention and treatment strategies tailored to women’s needs.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease can look different in women than in men, which sometimes leads to delayed diagnosis. Women may experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Back, jaw, or neck pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue, sometimes severe
- Chest pain or pressure (though it may be less pronounced than in men)
Understanding these subtler signs allows women to seek care earlier and receive timely treatment.
Treatment and Prevention Strategies
At Shine Health and Wellness, heart health for women is approached comprehensively, combining prevention, treatment, and education. Care may include:
- Medication Management: When necessary, prescriptions are used to regulate blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or blood sugar levels.
- Nutritional Guidance: Personalized dietary support to reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular function.
- Exercise Plans: Recommendations tailored to fitness level, lifestyle, and health conditions.
- Hormone Evaluation: Identifying and addressing imbalances that may increase heart disease risk.
- Lifestyle Support: Stress management, sleep optimization, and integrative therapies to promote whole-body health.
- Functional Medicine Tools: Exploring root causes such as inflammation, gut health, and metabolic concerns to create more effective long-term strategies.
By empowering women with knowledge and personalized care, Shine Health and Wellness enables patients to take control of their cardiovascular health and reduce their risk of future complications.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, has more than a decade of medical experience and a strong foundation in integrative and functional medicine. She believes that the doctor-patient relationship is central to effective care and takes the time to listen, educate, and collaborate with her patients. Her approach ensures that women feel supported in making informed decisions about their heart health.
The Shine Health and Wellness team includes experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. This collaborative environment provides patients with access to both advanced medical care and supportive therapies under one roof. By addressing not only cardiovascular risk factors but also the root causes of illness, Shine Health and Wellness delivers compassionate, whole-person care for women facing heart disease.
Protect Your Heart Health Today
Heart disease remains a serious concern for women, but with proactive care, it can often be prevented or effectively managed.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team are here to provide comprehensive, personalized care. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.