If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission. Heart disease is a significant health issue for women in the United States, with more than 60 million women affected. However, only slightly more than half of women are aware that it’s actually their number one killer, according to the CDC. The most common form of heart disease, coronary artery disease, is caused by plaque in the walls of the arteries and is the leading cause of death for women. Post-menopausal women are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease due to hormonal changes, as well as other factors such as depression, PTSD, autoimmune disorders, and previous COVID infection.
Unfortunately, many women are not receiving the care they need for their heart health due to gendered bias, with their concerns often being dismissed as mental health issues or menopause symptoms. This is in part due to a gender imbalance in clinical studies, resulting in a lack of heart health information specific to women.
American Heart Month takes place in February, providing an opportunity for everyone to learn more about heart health. To assist in this, we’ve compiled a list of 11 books that offer critical information about women’s heart health.
1. “Heart Smarter for Women: Six Weeks to a Healthier Heart” by Jennifer H. Mieres M.D., Stacey E. Rosen, Lori M. Russo and Marissa Licata – This book provides a six-week program for healthier living, focusing on the work of a healthy heart, risk factors for heart disease, and practical nutritional information.
2. “A Woman’s Heart: Why Female Heart Health Really Matters” by Dr. Angela Maas – Dr. Maas shares insights into how female health functions differently than men’s, the impact of menopause and breast cancer on heart health, and how to prevent heart disease in women.
3. “Weightless: Making Space for My Resilient Body and Soul” by Evette Dionne – In this memoir, Dionne shares her challenges as a Black woman and her experience with heart failure at the age of 29, addressing medical sexism, racism, and sizeism in the healthcare industry.
4. “The Exquisite Machine: The New Science of the Heart” by Sian E. Harding – Harding explores new scientific developments in understanding and tending to the heart, addressing factors such as imaging, stem cells, and heart health challenges.
5. “Heart Healthy Cookbook for Beginners” by Grace Garner – This cookbook offers quick and budget-friendly heart-healthy meal options along with nutrition tips and an 8-week meal plan.
6. “A Woman’s Guide to Living with Heart Disease” by Carolyn Thomas – Thomas, a heart disease survivor, shares her experience and medical information to help women manage the same diagnosis.
7. “My Glory Was I Had Such Friends: A Memoir” by Amy Silverstein – This memoir tells the story of Silverstein’s heart transplant journey and the support of her female friends.
8. “The Heart Speaks: A Cardiologist Reveals the Secret Language of Healing” by Mimi Guarneri, M.D. – Dr. Guarneri offers insights into the holistic approach to heart health, exploring the intelligence and memory of the heart.
9. “Smart at Heart: A Holistic 10-Step Approach to Preventing and Healing Heart Disease for Women” by Dr. Malissa Wood – Dr. Wood shares a mind-body approach to heart health with a focus on prevention and healing.
These titles provide valuable information that can help readers take control of their cardiovascular health and raise awareness about the importance of heart health for women. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive overview, a guidebook, or inspiring memoirs, these books offer a wealth of knowledge on women’s heart health.
