22, Aug 2025
Heart health for women is a critical yet often overlooked topic—despite being the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Nearly 1 in 5 female deaths is linked to heart disease, but many women remain unaware of their risk. At Dr. Sue Mitra’s practice in Melbourne, Florida, we’re dedicated to changing that by promoting awareness and encouraging women to take control of their heart health through prevention, education, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Why Heart Health Matters for Women
Women often experience heart disease differently than men. While chest pain is a common symptom for both, women are more likely to experience other subtle signs like:
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Back or jaw pain
Extreme fatigue
Lightheadedness
Risk Factors Specific to Women
Some heart health risk factors have a greater impact on women than on men.
Hormonal changes: Estrogen offers some protection against heart disease, but levels drop after menopause.
Pregnancy-related complications: High blood pressure or gestational diabetes during pregnancy can increase long-term heart risk.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, more common in women, are linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
Depression and stress: These mental health issues can affect heart health and are often underdiagnosed in women.
Prevention Starts with Awareness
Prevention is the most powerful tool in protecting your heart. Here are important actions women can consider taking:
1. Know Your Numbers
Regular check-ups are vital. Monitor your:
Blood pressure
Cholesterol levels
Blood sugar
Body Mass Index (BMI)
At Dr. Sue Mitra’s clinic in Melbourne, we offer comprehensive screenings to assess your risk factors and create personalized prevention plans.
2. Make Heart-Smart Lifestyle Choices
Simple changes can lead to lasting benefits:
Eat a heart-healthy diet: Prioritize nourishing your body with fresh fruits, vibrant vegetables, hearty whole grains, lean sources of protein, and wholesome fats.
Exercise regularly: Strive to get 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week to stay active and healthy.
Quit smoking: Smoking harms blood vessels and speeds up the accumulation of arterial plaque.
Limit alcohol: Keep consumption to one drink a day or less.
Manage stress: Try integrating calming practices like yoga, mindfulness meditation, or deep breathing to promote relaxation.
3. Listen to Your Body
Never ignore symptoms. If something doesn’t feel quite right, listen to your gut—getting it checked early could make all the difference.
Partner in Prevention: Dr. Sue Mitra
At Dr. Sue Mitra’s Internal Medicine practice in Melbourne, Florida, women’s heart health is a top priority—because caring for hearts means caring for lives. Our patient-centered approach ensures that every woman receives the attention and care she deserves, whether it’s a routine checkup or managing chronic conditions that impact the heart.
Final Thoughts
Heart health for women is not just a medical concern—it’s a personal one. By understanding your unique risks and making proactive lifestyle changes, you can take charge of your health and protect your heart for the long run. Remember, prevention is powerful, and support is available every step of the way. Schedule your heart health consultation with Dr. Sue Mitra today—call 321-622-6222 or visit suemitra.com and take a proactive step toward a stronger, healthier future.
Dr. Sue Mitra and her staff strive to offer their patients the best care, advice and services available in the medical field with the goal to keep patient healthy & happy.
Dr. Sue Mitra is board certified in international medicine. She is seen here with a Cologuard, which is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test. (Photo by: Tim Shortt/Florida Today)