The Female Heart: Unveiling the Unique Risks Women Face from Puberty to Menopause

Welcome back to Infinite Health! On today’s episode, host and cardiologist Dr. Arasi Maran dives into a topic that is both surprising and urgent: heart disease is the number one killer of women outpacing cancer, including breast cancer. Yet for most women, the risks and warning signs remain shrouded in mystery, and the medical system too often relies on research based predominantly on men.Dr. Maran to unravels how a woman’s risk of heart disease changes dramatically across her lifespan from her very first period, through pregnancy, to perimenopause and beyond. Together, they explore why hormonal transitions are not just reproductive milestones, but critical windows that can reveal early signals of cardiovascular risk.Whether you’re in your teens, planning a family, navigating menopause, or simply want to advocate better for the women in your life, this conversation will empower you with cutting-edge science, practical insights, and actionable steps for every stage. Heart health isn’t just a man’s issue, it’s every woman’s story. Let’s uncover what every woman needs to know, and why it’s time we all start listening to the signals our bodies are giving us.00:00 Early childhood events and heart risks08:47 PCOS and cardiovascular risk factors13:38 Heart changes during pregnancy17:35 Recognizing peripartum cardiomyopathy signs22:01 Pregnancy-related heart attack risks28:13 Gestational diabetes and heart risks32:50 Effect of declining estrogen levels38:07 Atrial fibrillation concerns for women44:48 Understanding heart health in women52:45 Discussing pregnancy health concerns57:19 Advocating for women's health issues01:00:45 Discussing women's cardiovascular health