Heart disease is a leading cause of death among women nationwide, but it does not affect all women equally. The chances a woman will suffer a cardiac event — and the likelihood she has seen a cardiologist this year — are heavily influenced by race, income and insurance coverage. One targeted policy proposal seeks to reverse that trend.
A federal program serving women at high risk could close that gap in heart health. The Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act would extend outreach, education and screening resources to communities with high demand and high need.
Heart Attacks Impact Communities Differently
Black women, despite some recent progress, are still more likely to have a fatal first-time heart attack than their white peers. But a heart attack doesn’t come out of nowhere. It might start as hypertension, obesity, or diabetes, all of which are more prevalent (and less likely to be diagnosed accurately and treated effectively) in patients of color.
Higher risk factors and structural barriers contribute to nearly half of Black women living with some form of cardiovascular disease. While diet plays a statistical role in heart events, so does the lack of access to primary care and private doctor’s offices. Clear research ties limited insurance coverage and high copays to delayed detection of serious risks.
By the time symptoms are discovered, a heart condition may be advanced or even fatal. Many complications, including heart attack and stroke, could be avoided with education and health intervention. At least one in four cardiovascular deaths in the US is preventable even with current technology.
Prevention That Meets Women Where They Are
The Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for WOMen Across the Nation program offers free cardiovascular screenings and lifestyle counseling to women who might otherwise go without care. Outreach services begin with a simple blood pressure check and cholesterol testing and may include referrals for follow-up care. Previous deployments of the program found patients were able to make better health choices and focus on prevention.
The program’s reach remains limited by funding constraints. The Expansion Act authorizes a new infusion of funding to reach more communities, support broader screenings and consistent follow-up services.
Reauthorizing and strengthening WISEWOMAN offers a targeted policy approach to reducing health care disparities and supporting populations that face elevated risks with limited help. By dramatically reducing the difficulty of accessing care, the Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act offers a meaningful step toward earlier care and better outcomes.