Your Heart Health & Your OB-GYN: What Every Woman Should Know

February is Heart Health Awareness Month, a time to pause and focus on a part of women’s health that is sometimes overlooked. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death for women, yet it does not always present in obvious ways. Understanding how your OB-GYN supports heart health can help you feel more informed and confident about your care.

Many women associate heart health primarily with cardiology visits. However, your OB-GYN is often the provider you see most consistently throughout adulthood. These regular appointments create an opportunity to notice subtle changes, identify risk factors early, and address concerns before symptoms develop. This perspective is explored further in how OB-GYN care supports heart health across every stage of life.

Heart disease can look different in women than in men. Symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back. Because these signs are sometimes mistaken for stress or hormonal changes, routine OB-GYN care plays an important role in recognizing patterns that deserve attention.

At North Shore Associates, serving patients across Wilmette, Glenview, we view heart health as part of whole-body wellness. During well-woman exams, providers routinely review blood pressure, weight, family history, lifestyle habits, and other factors connected to cardiovascular health. These conversations help guide preventive care in a way that feels approachable and personalized.

Pregnancy history and hormonal changes also matter. Conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, as well as transitions like menopause, can influence long-term heart health. OB-GYNs are uniquely positioned to track these factors over time and provide thoughtful guidance as your needs evolve.

Heart Health Awareness Month is a reminder that your heart deserves ongoing attention. Regular OB-GYN visits help ensure that heart health remains part of the bigger picture of caring for your overall well-being.