Heart Disease in Women: the #1 Cause of Death With Dr. Sara Dean

Heart Disease in Women: the #1 Cause of Death With Dr. Sara Dean

Women aren’t little men. We need to start treating women as women.

Today, Why Am I Just Finding This Out, host Dr. Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM, is joined by Dr. Sara Dean, DNP, MSN, APRN, RNFA, WHNP-BC, a Medical Science Liaison with Organon and women’s health advocate. Dr. Sara Dean began her career as a labor, delivery, and postpartum nurse before pursuing a master’s degree as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). She gained experience in general OB/GYN and surgical assistance, including robotic surgery. She shifted to a role as a Medical Science Liaison with Organon, starting in October 2022. Together, Kristin and Sara discuss the risks of heart disease in women and give powerful information to fight against common health disparities.

Did you know?

– 44% of women in the United States have high blood pressure.

– 1 in 3 women die of heart disease every year.

– 90% of women possess one or more risk factors for heart disease and don’t know it.

– Only about half (56%) of US women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer.

Dr. Dean discusses these statistics and more. She emphasizes how about two-thirds of women who die of heart disease had no recognizable symptoms. For those events with a precursor event, the most challenging fight is recognizing those signs and acting quickly. She reminds us all that a simple, but powerful tool against heart disease in women is committing to regular evaluations with a trusted primary care provider.

While it’s important to learn more to do better for yourself, they also talk about the importance of advocacy. Learning about what can be done to speak up for minority groups facing health disparities is something we all need to do together to change the course of our society and right medical injustices. Dr. Dean discusses how 59% of black adults have been diagnosed with heart disease compared to 30% of white adults. Black women also have a 50% higher risk of heart failure compared to white women and are more likely to die of a heart attack – regardless of their access to healthcare, level of education, or socioeconomic status.

When it comes to heart health for women, the biggest enemy is ignorance. The more we speak up about the risks and make the information available to all, the more lives can be saved. Who will you share this podcast with today?

Resource for more information:
Women and heart disease information HERE.

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