For the April edition of The Heart Rhythm Institute of Arizona’s blog, where we’re highlighting the latest insights in cardiovascular health. This month, we’re focusing on women’s heart health, the impact of stress on arrhythmias, and the importance of staying informed about evolving risk factors to improve heart health outcomes.
Women’s Cardiovascular Health Insights
Recent research presented ahead of the American College of Cardiology’s 2025 Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25) highlights several important new findings about women’s heart health that patients at The Heart Rhythm Institute of Arizona should know. One key study found that lifestyle-related risk factors—such as diet, sleep, physical activity, smoking, body mass index, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure—have a greater impact on women’s cardiovascular risk than on men’s. Women with poor health profiles faced nearly five times the risk of heart disease compared to women with ideal health, while men with poor health had a 2.5 times higher risk than their healthiest peers. This suggests that women’s hearts are especially sensitive to negative lifestyle factors, underscoring the importance of tailored prevention and risk assessment strategies for women.
Other notable findings include new research showing that removal of the ovaries increases a woman’s risk of heart failure, and that AI-powered mammograms can help predict heart disease risk by detecting breast arterial calcification, even in women under 60. These advances emphasize the need for women and their healthcare providers to stay informed about evolving risk factors and screening tools to improve heart health outcomes.
2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics
The American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update highlights the ongoing and significant impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States and globally. In 2022, CVD was the leading cause of death in the U.S., responsible for 941,652 deaths—more than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined. Nearly half of U.S. adults (48.6%) had some form of CVD between 2017 and 2020, with non-Hispanic Black adults experiencing the highest prevalence. Coronary heart disease (CHD) remained the leading cause of CVD deaths, accounting for 39.5% of these fatalities, while stroke accounted for 17.6%. Globally, CVD caused approximately 19.41 million deaths in 2021.
The report also underscores the importance of addressing key risk factors, summarized by the AHA’s “Life’s Essential 8”: not smoking, physical activity, healthy diet, healthy body weight, sleep health, and control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Notably, only 25.3% of U.S. adults met recommended physical activity guidelines in 2022, and diet scores remained low across all age groups. Obesity rates were high, with 41.8% of adults classified as obese. Hypertension affected 46.7% of U.S. adults, and diabetes—both diagnosed and undiagnosed—impacted over 39 million Americans. These statistics highlight the urgent need for preventive care, lifestyle modification, and continued research—much of which is supported by the AHA, the largest non-governmental funder of cardiovascular research in the U.S..
Stress Awareness Month
April’s Stress Awareness Month highlights the critical link between chronic stress and cardiovascular health, particularly for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). Prolonged stress exacerbates AFib by elevating blood pressure and encouraging unhealthy behaviors like poor diet, inactivity, or excessive alcohol use. For AFib patients, stress management is essential—regular exercise, mindfulness practices (meditation, yoga), consistent sleep (7-9 hours), and a heart-healthy diet can mitigate risks and improve outcomes.
Beyond stress, April also spotlights Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness (affecting 15% of Americans, with women twice as likely as men), Autism Awareness (1 in 36 U.S. children diagnosed), and Foot Health Awareness (1 in 5 Americans experience annual foot issues). For heart patients, these observances serve as timely reminders: holistic health—including gut health, mobility, and mental well-being—directly impacts cardiovascular resilience.
For AFib patients, proactive stress reduction and routine cardiac monitoring remain vital. Contact The Heart Rhythm Institute of Arizona to discuss personalized strategies for managing stress and optimizing heart health this month and beyond.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as irregular heartbeats, palpitations, dizziness, or chest discomfort, scheduling a consultation at The Heart Rhythm Institute of Arizona is the first step toward expert care. Dr. John Beshai, a renowned cardiac electrophysiologist with over 25 years of experience, offers personalized evaluations using the latest diagnostic tools—including ECG, echocardiograms, Holter monitoring, and exercise stress tests—to accurately diagnose your condition. During your consultation, Dr. Beshai takes the time to understand your unique health situation, explains your diagnosis clearly, and discusses tailored treatment options ranging from medication management to advanced procedures like cardiac ablation or pacemaker implantation.
To schedule a consultation, you can call The Heart Rhythm Institute of Arizona directly or book an appointment online. Whether you prefer an in-office visit or a telemedicine consultation, the team is committed to providing timely, compassionate care that prioritizes your heart health. Taking this step early can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life with expert guidance every step of the way.
