Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet many still believe heart attacks are primarily a men’s health issue. Medical experts say that misconception can be dangerous — and even deadly.

More than 60 million women in the U.S. are living with cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. Each year, one in five women dies from cardiovascular causes, including tens of thousands from heart attacks alone.

Lori Sepich of Memphis knows firsthand how easy it is to underestimate the risk. Despite smoking for years and occasionally skipping her blood pressure medication, she never imagined she would experience a heart attack. She ultimately suffered two, 13 years apart. After being diagnosed as a teenager with severe hereditary high blood pressure, she remained in denial about the seriousness of her condition.

Doctors say prevention is critical. The American Heart Association promotes “Life’s Essential 8” to lower cardiovascular risk: eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco, getting adequate sleep, staying physically active, maintaining healthy cholesterol and weight levels, and controlling blood sugar and blood pressure. Regular medical checkups are also important to monitor risk factors and review family history.

Women face some unique risk factors as well. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which are more common in women, can increase inflammation and raise heart disease risk. Depression, also more prevalent among women, is associated with both inflammation and behaviors that can harm heart health. Pregnancy-related complications — including high blood pressure, diabetes, miscarriages and stillbirth — have also been linked to higher cardiovascular risk later in life. Even menopause symptoms such as hot flashes have been associated with elevated blood pressure and other heart concerns.

Another challenge is that heart attack symptoms in women can differ from the dramatic portrayals often seen in movies. While chest pain remains common, women are more likely than men to experience additional or subtler symptoms. These may include shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, back or jaw pain, cold sweats, lightheadedness or a sense of anxiety. Symptoms can fluctuate, leading some women to dismiss them as minor or unrelated.

Health experts emphasize that acting quickly can save lives. Anyone who suspects a heart attack should call 911 immediately rather than driving themselves or going to urgent care. Emergency responders can begin treatment right away, and rapid intervention can limit heart damage.

Sepich’s experience underscores that message. During her first heart attack, she ignored severe chest pressure and arm pain, attending church and work before finally seeking care. Doctors later placed multiple stents to open blocked arteries. When she experienced a second heart attack years later, she sought treatment more quickly.

Now, she keeps her blood pressure under control, exercises regularly and has stopped smoking. She urges other women not to dismiss warning signs or assume they are immune.

Experts agree: understanding the risks, recognizing symptoms and responding immediately can make the difference between life and death.