Heart disease isn't just a “man's issue.” If you're a woman in Winnipeg, Winnipeg Heart Disease in Women is a growing concern you need to understand. Knowing how it can affect you differently—and what to look for—can help you stay ahead. Understanding the risks, spotting the warning signs early, and knowing your options can make all the difference.

Why heart disease is of special concern for women

In Canada, cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death for women. What makes this especially important for you: many of the risk factors and symptoms work differently in women than in men. For example:

  • Traditional risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol actually carry greater danger for women.
  • Female‐specific factors—such as complications during pregnancy or early menopause—also play a key role. 
  • Many women assume their risk is low. That causes delays in diagnosis and treatment. 

So if you live in Winnipeg and want to stay ahead of your heart health, this guide is for you.

Key risk factors you should watch

To protect your heart, you first need to know what puts you at risk. Here are important ones.

Shared risk factors (women & men)

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • High cholesterol or unhealthy lipid levels
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Physical inactivity and excess weight
  • Poor diet and high stress

These apply to everyone. But for women, the impact of these is often stronger. 

Women‐specific or amplified risk factors

  • Pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or hypertension during pregnancy. These raise your lifelong heart risk. 
  • Menopause or early loss of estrogen protection. After menopause your heart risk rises. 
  • Autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) and chronic inflammation. These are more common in women and link to heart disease. 
  • Psychosocial stress, depression and anxiety. Women are hit harder by these and they affect heart risk. 

Social & care‐access factors you should know

  • Some groups of women (Indigenous, immigrant women, those with lower income) have higher heart disease risk and worse outcomes. 
  • Women are less likely to get guideline-based care, proper diagnosis or timely treatment for heart disease. 

How signs and symptoms may differ for women

Classic heart‐attack symptoms in men are well known: crushing chest pain, left arm pain, etc. For women, things can be less obvious—especially in our Winnipeg context. 

Here are key symptoms you should not ignore:

  • Chest discomfort: could feel like pressure or squeezing, but it might also feel like general discomfort.
  • Shortness of breath, especially with no obvious reason.
  • Unusual fatigue—feeling very tired when you normally wouldn't.
  • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back or shoulders.
  • Nausea or indigestion, especially if it's new or out of pattern.
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting.

If you experience one or more of these, it doesn't automatically mean you have heart disease—but you should talk to a healthcare provider about it.

What you can do now to protect your heart

You don't have to wait until something goes wrong. These proactive steps can make a real difference.

Make healthy‐habit changes

  • Move more: Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity. Even walking counts. 
  • Quit smoking: If you smoke, stopping is one of the most powerful things you can do.
  • Eat well: Focus on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Cut back on salt, sugar and unhealthy fat. 
  • Manage weight: Maintaining a healthy weight helps all the other risk factors.
  • Control stress and sleep: Try to get 7–9 hours sleep per night and handle stress with healthy outlets.

Monitor your health numbers

  • Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
  • Ask about cholesterol and blood-lipid levels.
  • If you had pregnancy complications (e.g., gestational diabetes or hypertension), let your doctor know—it matters for your heart risk.
  • Keep track of any new symptoms and don't brush them off.

Choose the right care

Because women often experience heart issues differently, it helps to have a health provider who understands those differences and can guide you. That may include discussing heart risk at your regular check-ups, especially if you have female‐specific risk factors. If you live in Winnipeg and are seeking tailored care, consider discussing with the team at a local women's health clinic in Winnipeg or a clinic that specialises in women's heart health.

When to seek urgent help

If you feel sudden, severe symptoms such as intense chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or a feeling of extreme pressure in your chest, treat it as an emergency—call 911 or get to the hospital right away. Women's heart attacks sometimes come with less dramatic symptoms, so don't wait because you “don't feel like the typical person having a heart attack.” Acting early saves lives.

Aligning with your women's health care in Winnipeg

If you're looking for ongoing support, a women's health clinic in Winnipeg can play a key role. These clinics often provide preventive screenings, risk‐assessment, and lifestyle counselling—while considering the full life-course of women's health (pregnancy history, menopause, hormonal changes, etc.). By choosing such a clinic, you ensure your heart's health is part of the conversation, not an after-thought.

Your next step

If you live in Winnipeg and are concerned about heart health, reach out to your healthcare provider. Bring up any symptoms you've dismissed, ask about heart risk screening for women, and discuss your lifestyle habits. At Sage Creek Medical Center, you'll find a clinic that can help you face your heart health proactively—with a focus on women's needs.

You deserve a clear roadmap to protect your heart—and taking this step now could help you lead a stronger, healthier life.