February brings more than Valentine’s Day hearts to our attention—it’s also American Heart Month, a time to focus on the organ that keeps us going every single day. At North Pointe OB/GYN in Cumming, we believe that caring for women means caring for the whole woman, and that includes paying close attention to cardiovascular health at every stage of life.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Yet cardiovascular health often takes a back seat in conversations about women’s wellness. The truth is, your OB/GYN plays a crucial role in identifying risk factors, monitoring heart health during pregnancy, and helping you build habits that protect your heart for decades to come.
Why Heart Disease Looks Different in Women
For years, heart disease research focused primarily on men, leaving women underdiagnosed and undertreated. Today, we understand that cardiovascular disease often presents differently in women—and recognizing these differences can save lives.
While chest pain remains a common symptom, women are more likely than men to experience subtler warning signs. These can include unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or abdomen. Many women describe feeling generally unwell or experiencing flu-like symptoms before a cardiac event. Because these signs don’t match the classic image of a heart attack, women sometimes delay seeking treatment, putting their health at greater risk.
The OB/GYN Connection to Heart Health
You might not immediately think of your gynecologist when considering heart health, but the connections between reproductive health and cardiovascular wellness run deep. Conditions that your OB/GYN monitors and treats can significantly impact your long-term heart disease risk.
- Pregnancy Complications: Conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and gestational hypertension don’t just affect pregnancy—they serve as early warning signals for future cardiovascular problems. Women who experience these complications have a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease later in life, making ongoing monitoring essential.
- Hormonal Changes: Estrogen provides some protective effects against heart disease during the reproductive years. As hormone levels shift during perimenopause and menopause, that protection diminishes. Understanding this transition helps women take proactive steps to maintain cardiovascular health.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Women with PCOS face increased risks of insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels—all factors that contribute to heart disease. Regular monitoring and lifestyle interventions can help manage these risks.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Certain autoimmune disorders that disproportionately affect women, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Your healthcare team should consider these connections when developing your care plan.
Know Your Numbers
The good news about heart disease is that many risk factors respond to lifestyle changes. Building heart-healthy habits doesn’t require dramatic overhauls—small, consistent choices add up to significant protection over time.
Physical activity stands out as one of the most powerful tools for cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. For busy women in Forsyth County balancing work, family, and countless other responsibilities, this might look like brisk walks during lunch breaks, weekend hikes at nearby trails, or active playtime with children. Any movement counts, and breaking activity into shorter sessions throughout the day delivers similar benefits to longer workouts.
Nutrition plays an equally important role. A heart-healthy eating pattern emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods, added sugars, and excessive sodium. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes olive oil, fish, nuts, and abundant produce, has particularly strong evidence supporting cardiovascular benefits.
Stress management deserves attention as well. Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, inflammation, and behaviors that harm heart health. Finding effective stress-relief strategies—whether through exercise, meditation, creative pursuits, social connection, or professional support—protects both mental and cardiovascular wellness.
Protecting Your Heart During Pregnancy
Pregnancy places unique demands on the cardiovascular system. Blood volume increases by about 50 percent, the heart works harder to pump this increased volume, and blood pressure naturally fluctuates. For most healthy women, these changes occur without problems. However, certain conditions require careful monitoring and management.
At North Pointe OB/GYN, our physicians and midwives are equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies, including those complicated by cardiovascular concerns. We work closely with specialists when needed to ensure comprehensive care for both mother and baby. Women with known heart conditions, a history of pregnancy complications, or risk factors for cardiovascular problems receive personalized monitoring throughout their pregnancy journey.
Even after delivery, the postpartum period requires attention to heart health. Blood pressure should be monitored, and any warning symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation. The fourth trimester matters just as much as the preceding three when it comes to protecting maternal health.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Beyond routine screenings, certain symptoms and situations warrant a conversation with your healthcare provider about heart health. Don’t hesitate to bring up concerns during your appointments at our Cumming office.
Seek prompt evaluation for chest discomfort or pressure, especially with exertion. Pay attention to unusual shortness of breath, particularly if it’s new or occurs with minimal activity. Persistent fatigue that interferes with daily activities, unexplained swelling in the legs or ankles, heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat, and dizziness or lightheadedness all deserve medical attention.
Additionally, if you have a family history of heart disease—especially if a close relative developed cardiovascular problems before age 55 for men or 65 for women—share this information with your healthcare team. Family history influences your individual risk assessment and may affect screening recommendations.
A Partner in Your Lifelong Wellness
Your relationship with your OB/GYN extends far beyond pregnancy and reproductive health. From adolescence through menopause and beyond, our team at North Pointe OB/GYN serves as a consistent resource for comprehensive women’s health care. We understand the unique risk factors women face and the interconnected nature of reproductive and cardiovascular wellness.
This American Heart Month, we encourage women throughout Cumming, Alpharetta, Milton, Dawsonville, and the surrounding North Georgia communities to prioritize heart health alongside other wellness goals. Whether you’re due for your annual well-woman exam, have questions about how a past pregnancy might affect your cardiovascular risk, or want to discuss lifestyle changes that support heart health, our experienced team is here to help.
Schedule Your Wellness Visit at North Pointe OB/GYN
Taking care of your heart is an act of love—for yourself and for everyone who depends on you. The women’s healthcare specialists at North Pointe OB/GYN are committed to supporting your health at every stage of life. Our office, conveniently located on the Northside Hospital-Forsyth campus in Cumming, offers comprehensive care from our team of experienced physicians, certified nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners.
Contact North Pointe OB/GYN at 770-886-3555 to schedule your appointment. Together, we can help you build a foundation for lasting cardiovascular health—because your heart deserves the very best care.
