Understanding Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Factors in Women: A Comprehensive Guide from Garcia Family Medicine
Published: April 8th, 2025
By: Garcia Family Medicine
At Garcia Family Medicine, our mission is to empower our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to lead healthier lives. One of the most pressing health concerns we address is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, raising the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening complications. While ASCVD affects both men and women, women face unique risk factors that are often misunderstood or underrecognized. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, claiming approximately 398,086 lives in 2013 alone, and its impact continues to grow. In this blog, we’ll explore the risk factors for ASCVD in women, backed by the latest statistics, and explain how you can take proactive steps to protect your heart. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, call us at 816-427-5320.
Why ASCVD Is a Critical Concern for Women
ASCVD occurs when cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances accumulate in artery walls, forming plaques that narrow the vessels and restrict blood flow. This can lead to serious events like heart attacks or strokes. Historically, heart disease was seen as a “man’s disease,” partly because estrogen was thought to offer women natural protection. However, this is a myth. While cardiovascular disease typically develops 7 to 10 years later in women than in men, it remains the number one killer of women across all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), improvements in heart disease mortality have plateaued, especially among younger women under 55, signaling an urgent need for awareness and prevention. At Garcia Family Medicine, we’re here to help you understand your risks and take action.
Traditional Risk Factors: Shared but Distinct
Women share many ASCVD risk factors with men, but the way these factors manifest and their relative impact can differ significantly. Let’s break them down with current data:
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Hypertension is a leading contributor to ASCVD, affecting nearly half of American adults. For women, the risk increases after menopause as declining estrogen levels reduce blood vessel elasticity. The AHA reports that between 2017 and 2020, 44.5% of women aged 20 and older had hypertension. Moreover, women who experience high blood pressure during pregnancy—such as preeclampsia—face a doubled risk of heart disease later in life. This underscores the importance of monitoring blood pressure at every stage, a service we proudly offer at Garcia Family Medicine.High Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol,” drive plaque formation. After menopause, women often see a shift in their lipid profiles, with LDL rising and protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol declining. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) show that over 50% of women aged 40-59 have elevated LDL cholesterol, a trend that worsens with age. Routine cholesterol screenings, available at our clinic, can help catch these changes early.Diabetes
Diabetes amplifies ASCVD risk, and its effect is more pronounced in women than men. A 2022 meta-analysis published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that women with diabetes have a 2.42 times higher risk of cardiovascular death compared to 1.86 times for men. In the U.S., approximately 13.5% of women have diabetes, with higher prevalence among Black and Hispanic women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Managing blood sugar is a cornerstone of our care plans at Garcia Family Medicine.Smoking
Smoking is a potent ASCVD risk factor, and its impact is particularly severe for women. Research from The Lancet indicates that women who smoke have a 25% higher relative risk of coronary heart disease than men who smoke. The CDC reports that 11.5% of U.S. women smoked in 2022, and exposure to secondhand smoke further elevates risk, contributing to nearly one-third of coronary heart disease deaths. Quitting smoking is tough, but we’re here to support you—call 816-427-5320 to discuss cessation options.Obesity and Physical Inactivity
Excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle are major drivers of ASCVD. The CDC estimates that 41.9% of U.S. women are obese, a condition linked to higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Women are also less likely to meet physical activity guidelines, with only 23.5% achieving recommended levels in 2022, per the AHA. At Garcia Family Medicine, we offer personalized plans to help you achieve a healthy weight and active lifestyle.
Women-Specific Risk Factors: Unique Vulnerabilities
Beyond these traditional risks, women face factors tied to their biology, reproductive history, and life experiences. These deserve special attention:
Pregnancy-Related Complications
Conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (e.g., preeclampsia) are red flags for future ASCVD risk. The AHA notes that preeclampsia, affecting 5-10% of pregnancies, increases a woman’s heart disease risk by 2 to 4 times. Gestational diabetes, occurring in 6-9% of pregnancies, also raises the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and ASCVD later. If you’ve had these conditions, let’s talk about your heart health—call us at 816-427-5320.Menopause and Hormonal Changes
The menopause transition marks a turning point for ASCVD risk. As estrogen levels drop, women experience changes in lipid profiles and blood vessel function. Women with early menopause (before age 40) face a two-year shorter life expectancy, and those with endogenous estrogen deficiency have a sevenfold higher risk of coronary artery disease, according to the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) study. Hormone replacement therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so we tailor recommendations to your needs at Garcia Family Medicine.Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS affects 6-12% of women of reproductive age and heightens ASCVD risk through insulin resistance, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Studies show that women with PCOS are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Regular screenings and lifestyle interventions can mitigate this risk—our team is ready to help.Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which are more prevalent in women, promote inflammation that damages arteries. Women with SLE face a 50-fold higher risk of heart attack, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in these patients. Managing inflammation is key, and we offer comprehensive care to address these complex risks.Psychosocial Stress
Stress, depression, and social isolation disproportionately impact women’s heart health. The Nurses’ Health Study found that women with high stress levels had a 40% higher risk of heart disease. In 2022, 19.4% of U.S. women reported depressive symptoms, per the CDC. Mental health matters, and at Garcia Family Medicine, we take a holistic approach to your well-being.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: ASCVD Statistics
Mortality: In 2022, coronary heart disease (a form of ASCVD) killed 371,506 Americans, with women making up a substantial portion (CDC).
Young Women: About 1 in 5 cardiovascular deaths in 2022 occurred in adults under 65, with a troubling rise among women under 55 (AHA).
Racial Disparities: Black women have a 30% higher risk of heart disease death than White women, while South Asian women also face elevated risks (CDC).
Underdiagnosis: Women are less likely to receive timely diagnostic tests or interventions, leading to worse outcomes (European Heart Survey).
Taking Control: Prevention Strategies
The good news? ASCVD is largely preventable. Here’s how you can lower your risk with support from Garcia Family Medicine:
Know Your Numbers: Regular check-ups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar are vital. Schedule yours today at 816-427-5320.
Live Heart-Healthy: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly; and quit smoking.
Share Your Story: Tell us about your pregnancy history, menopause experience, or autoimmune conditions so we can customize your care.
Prioritize Mental Health: Seek support for stress or depression—your heart and mind are connected.
Why Choose Garcia Family Medicine?
At Garcia Family Medicine, we see you as more than a patient—you’re part of our family. Whether you’re managing traditional risk factors or navigating women-specific challenges, our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care. We’re equipped to assess your ASCVD risk, interpret your unique health history, and design a plan that fits your life. Don’t wait for symptoms to act—heart disease can be silent, especially in women.
Call Us Today
Ready to take charge of your heart health? Have questions about your ASCVD risk? Contact Garcia Family Medicine at 816-427-5320 to schedule an appointment or learn more. Together, we can build a healthier future for you and your loved ones.
Stay proactive about your health,
Garcia Family Medicine
References
American Heart Association. (2024). 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Heart Disease Facts. Retrieved from cdc.gov.
National Center for Health Statistics. (2022). Multiple Cause of Death 2018–2022 on CDC WONDER Database.
Garcia, M., et al. (2016). Cardiovascular Disease in Women: Clinical Perspectives. Circulation Research.
Mosca, L., et al. (2011). Effectiveness-Based Guidelines for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women. Circulation.
Peters, S. A., et al. (2022). Diabetes as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in Women vs. Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
Bairey Merz, C. N., et al. (2006). Insights from the NHLBI-Sponsored Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) Study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Huxley, R. R., & Woodward, M. (2011). Cigarette Smoking as a Risk Factor for Coronary Heart Disease in Women Compared with Men. The Lancet.
Crump, C., et al. (2020). Pre-term Delivery and Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease in Women. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Yusuf, S., et al. (2004). Effect of Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors Associated with Myocardial Infarction in 52 Countries (the INTERHEART Study). The Lancet.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. Consult a doctor for medical advice. Call Garcia Family Medicine at 816-427-5320 for personalized care.
