Why Heart Health is a Women’s Health Issue—and How Naturopathic Medicine Can Help

With Mother’s Day around the corner, we’re dedicating this month’s blog to spotlighting key health issues affecting women in Ontario—starting with one that’s often overlooked: heart disease. Despite being the leading cause of premature death among Canadian women, heart disease is still too often seen as a "men’s issue." But recent research is challenging that perception, revealing that women may actually be more vulnerable to heart disease—even when they engage in healthy lifestyle habits. It’s time to change the conversation and bring more attention to women’s heart health.

So why is this happening, and what can we do about it?

The Hidden Risks for Women

The symptoms of heart disease in women often look different than in men. Instead of the classic chest pain, women may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, or even nausea—symptoms that can easily be dismissed or misdiagnosed. This leads to delayed treatment, higher rates of complications, and, unfortunately, poorer outcomes.

Recent research reveals that women may respond differently to traditional heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes. Surprisingly, even well-established protective habits—like regular exercise and healthy eating—don’t always offer the same level of cardiovascular protection for women as they do for men. Adding to the complexity, the natural decline in estrogen during perimenopause and menopause removes a key hormonal safeguard, increasing vulnerability to heart disease. These findings highlight a need for gender-specific prevention, screening, and treatment strategies that truly reflect women’s unique physiology.

How Naturopathic Medicine Can Support Heart Health in Women

Naturopathic medicine takes a root-cause, individualized approach to health—and that’s exactly what women need when it comes to protecting their hearts.

Here are just a few ways naturopathic care can help:

1. Comprehensive Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) go beyond routine cholesterol checks. We assess inflammatory markers, blood sugar regulation, stress response, and hormonal health—all of which play a role in heart health. This holistic lens allows us to uncover subtle imbalances that could put your heart at risk before they become a problem.

2. Nutrition for Women’s Heart Health

Women benefit from heart-healthy diets that also support hormonal balance. This might include incorporating omega-3s, magnesium-rich greens, and phytoestrogens like flaxseed, which have been shown to positively influence cardiovascular markers in women. We offer the opportunity for personalized nutrition plans that fit your body and lifestyle.

3. Stress & Mental Health Support

Chronic stress is a major, and often underestimated, driver of heart disease—especially in women. Whether it's through adaptogenic herbs, lifestyle modifications or counseling, our NDs help women to manage their stress in sustainable and empowering ways.

4. Hormonal Health Optimization

Estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, which is one reason the risk for heart disease increases after menopause. We work with women across all stages of life to support hormonal transitions with nutrition, botanical medicine and supplements, where necessary.

5. Lifestyle Coaching That Works for You

We understand the emotional, mental, and physical load many women carry. That’s why we don’t just hand out a list of to-dos—we partner with you to create realistic, meaningful changes that support your health in the long term.

It’s Time to Rethink Women’s Heart Health

Heart disease is not just a man’s condition. It’s a critical women’s health issue, and it deserves care that’s as unique and multifaceted as the women it affects.

If you're ready to take proactive steps toward protecting your heart, naturopathic medicine offers a compassionate, whole-person approach. Whether you want to assess your risk, improve your energy, or simply take better care of yourself—your heart included—we’re here to support you.