Heart of the matter: Taking action early for your heart

Dr. Leslie Saltzman

January 29, 2026

By Dr. Leslie Saltzman, Vice President of Consumer Health Solutions and Medical Discipline Director at Labcorp

When was the last time you thought about your heart health? Even if you feel fine, you may already be receiving quiet signals. Many women don’t realize they’re at risk for heart disease until it leads to a serious event.

Heart disease affects 40% of women in the United States, and when serious risks are missed or left unmanaged, it can result in heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., affecting about 1 in 5 each year.¹

Prevention that fits into your life

One of the achievements I’m most proud of as a physician is bringing heart health to Ovia. I designed our Heart and Metabolic Health program to help women better understand their cardiovascular needs, identify concerns, and take informed action.

The program offers personalized support based on your health history, race and ethnicity, current conditions, and heart health status. The insights are personalized to each woman and give clear, tangible, and meaningful steps to take to manage their health.

Features include:

Real-time alerts: Stay aware of changes in your heart health.
Step-by-step guidance and reminders: Keep on top of screenings and appointments.
Tailored content: Learn how diabetes and kidney disease connect to your heart.
Unlimited 1:1 access to the Ovia Care Team: Never navigate this alone.

Even with digital support, lifestyle habits remain the most impactful:

Balanced nutrition: Focus on fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains.
Movement: Combine cardio and strength training.
Stress management: Practice mindfulness or journaling, or take a daily walk.
Regular monitoring: Track key metrics with your healthcare provider, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and getting screened for high lipoprotein(a).
Smoking cessation: providing support for those who smoke or use tobacco.

Why women’s hearts need special attention

To continue to raise awareness about women’s heart health needs and how aging, hormones, social determinants of health, and more can impact outcomes, here are key facts to remember.

Race and ethnicity: Women of color are affected by heart disease at higher rates than white women. More than 50% of Black women have some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and significantly higher rates of hypertension and stroke. In addition, Indigenous, Alaskan Native, Hispanic, and South Asian women also have higher risks related to heart disease and other cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.²
Pregnancy complications: Preeclampsia raises the chance of heart problems by 75%, and about half of women with gestational diabetes develop Type 2 diabetes. Black women also have 60% higher rates of preeclampsia than white women.³
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Hormonal imbalances and irregular cycles can raise blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk.
Early Menopause: Early menopause (before age 45) and premature menopause (before age 40) significantly increase a woman’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The sudden decline in estrogen reduces its protective effects on blood vessels, leading to higher cholesterol, increased blood pressure, and faster plaque buildup.

Small, consistent actions add up, and I tell my patients that the choices we make every day can improve heart health over time and slow the development or progression of heart disease. That awareness and mindset has shaped how I care for myself and my patients: listen to your body and take proactive steps each day to build resilience and protect your heart for years to come.

References