Women Veterans Health Care

Heart Health

Many different factors, such as diet, exercise, smoking, and family history may affect your heart health. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes increase your risk for heart disease.

As a woman Veteran, you may have unique factors related to your military service that can increase your risk of heart disease. Heart disease is the primary cause of death in women (and men) in the United States, and Veterans are no exception. After being separated from the military for 2-5 years, a woman's risk for developing heart disease increases. In addition to the traditional risk factors such high blood pressure and diabetes, mental health concerns such as PTSD and depression, and experiences of trauma including military sexual trauma, can contribute to your risk.

The symptoms of a heart attack can be different in women versus men. Heart attack signs for women can be subtle and sometimes confusing. Like men, the most common heart attack symptom for women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women may also experience other heart attack symptoms such as:

• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Pressure, squeezing, or pain in chest
• Cold sweat
• Extreme fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the jaw, arm, hand, shoulder, or back
• Dizziness or fainting
• Vomiting or nausea
• If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a heart attack, call 911

Heart disease and stroke are related cardiovascular conditions often caused by similar health issues. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bursts, depriving the brain of oxygen and causing cell damage. This can lead to disability or death.

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic (caused by a clot) and hemorrhagic (caused by a ruptured blood vessel). A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or "mini-stroke," is caused by a temporary clot and should also be treated seriously.

Stroke effects can include paralysis, speech or memory problems, vision issues, and behavior changes. Recognizing symptoms quickly is critical. Common signs of stroke in women include:

• Drooping face
• Numbness or weakness in limbs
• Difficulty speaking or confusion
• Vision problems
• Severe headache
• Dizziness or trouble walking
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting

If you or someone near you shows these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Stroke is an emergency, and fast action can save lives and reduce long-term impacts.

What services does VA provide for heart health?

VA offers a variety of services to promote your heart health, including diagnosing and treating heart disease as well as life-long risk reduction. Your VA primary care provider will assess your risks and help you get started on a heart health plan. The best way to prevent heart disease is through lifestyle changes such as:

• Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet
• Striving for a healthy weight
• Completing around 3 hours of exercise per week
• Keeping conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure well-controlled
• Managing your stress levels and practicing self-care
• Aiming to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake

If focusing on all these factors is too much, choose a few of them to take action on. Focusing on a few of these is still beneficial to your heart health. If you need tests or treatment for heart disease, appointments and services will be coordinated through your VA primary care provider. All Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are eligible for cardiovascular (heart) risk assessments, prevention services, and treatment. Talk to your VA primary care provider about tools available to prevent and manage heart disease.

The symptoms of a heart attack can be different in women versus men. Heart attack signs for women can be subtle and sometimes confusing. Like men, the most common heart attack symptom for women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women may also experience other heart attack symptoms such as:

• Arrythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Pressure, squeezing, or pain in chest
• Cold sweat
• Extreme fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the jaw, arm, hand, shoulder, or back
• Dizziness or fainting
• Vomiting or nausea

If you have symptoms of heart disease, or you are already diagnosed with a condition such as angina, heart attack, or heart failure, VA has resources for evaluation and treatment, including:

• Echocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
• Stress testing
• Cardiology clinics
• Cardiac catheterization and more

How do I access services for heart health at VA?

The first step to access heart health services at VA is to set up an appointment with your VA primary care provider. They will work with you to assess your needs and come up with a plan that is best for you. They can provide referrals to cardiology (heart specialists) if needed.

If you don't already use VA health care, you may want to use the following online tools:

Find out if you are eligible for VA health care

Enroll in VA health care if you haven't already

Find your local VA and make an appointment

Where can I find more information, help, and resources on heart health?

• VA Tobacco Cessation Resources offers a variety of resources and programs to help Veterans quit tobacco.
• Check out VA's Mindfulness Coach App. It was designed help Veterans, service members, and others learn how to practice mindfulness.
• Visit VA's MOVE! Weight Management Program for the most up-to-date approaches for weight management.
• American Heart Association (AHA)† funds heart disease medical research studies and offers comprehensive information about various heart conditions and treatments. They also sponsor Go Red for Women†. 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention* has tips on preventing heart disease and what you can do about it.
• Million Hearts* is a national initiative to prevent a million heart attacks and strokes over five years.
• The American Stroke Association's B.E.F.A.S.T. approach (balance, eyes, face, arms, speech, time) can help you remember to spot a stroke and act quickly.
• Focusing on the American Heart Association's Essential 8 can also keep you healthier and reduce your risk for stroke and other heart conditions.

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The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health

If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also:

• Provide you with information on enrolling in VA health care if you have not already
• Provide you with information on setting up a medical appointment in your area
• Provide you with information about your eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans
• Connect you with your local VA Medical Center or local women's health contact who can assist in coordinating all the services you need

WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

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