Getting to the Heart of Women’s Heart Health With Jasmin Hundal, MD, MS, MPH

Recognizing the Unique Risks for Women

Women often present with different, sometimes subtle symptoms compared to men, and they may be less likely to receive aggressive treatment. Dr. Hundal notes, “Sometimes they themselves don’t perceive they’re at risk. It’s important to talk about heart health in women, not just during crisis, but also as part of routine preventive care. I think raising awareness is the most important thing we can do.”

Atypical Symptoms: What Clinicians Should Watch For

Symptoms of heart disease in women can be atypical and easily mistaken for other conditions. While chest pain radiating to the left arm is the classic symptom, women may also experience fatigue; shortness of breath; nausea; pain in the jaw, back, or neck; or even heart palpitations that can mimic anxiety. Dr. Hundal cautions, “The key is to not dismiss these symptoms if they’re new, out of the ordinary, or increasing in nature—immediate medical attention is warranted. And for women: advocate for yourself in medical settings. We are here to listen and be there for you.”

Prevention: Empowering Women to Prioritize Heart Health

Dr. Hundal advocates for a proactive approach: “Protecting your heart also protects you from other cardiometabolic diseases.” She recommends regular physical activity, a whole-food–rich diet, limiting processed foods and saturated fats, reducing alcohol intake, not smoking, managing stress, and ensuring good sleep quality. She also stresses the importance of annual preventive visits, saying, “Women often prioritize career and family, but it’s crucial to schedule your own health checks and advocate for yourself.”

Cardio-Oncology: Where Cancer and Heart Health Intersect

The field of cardio-oncology is rapidly evolving, focusing on preventing and managing heart conditions in patients undergoing cancer treatment. “Many effective cancer therapies, including targeted therapies, chemotherapies, and radiation, can affect the heart,” Dr. Hundal says. She highlighted the importance of baseline and ongoing cardiac monitoring, especially for patients on treatments known to increase cardiovascular risk, such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–targeted therapies or aromatase inhibitors. “It’s good to have a discussion with your oncologist about what you can do to prevent cardiac disease,” she advises.

The Oncologist’s Role in Heart Health

Oncologists often see patients more frequently than primary care physicians during treatment. “It’s important to ensure patients are up to date with their cardiac workup—lipid panels, A1C, and cardiometabolic assessments,” Dr. Hundal says. Optimizing cardiometabolic health can significantly impact treatment outcomes and survivorship. She encouraged clinicians to consider whether a cardio-oncology referral is appropriate for their patients.

Survivorship: Ongoing Vigilance

Cancer survivors, especially those exposed to cardiotoxic therapies, require continued cardiovascular monitoring. “Regular blood work and, in some cases, imaging like echocardiograms are important,” Dr. Hundal notes. She reminds clinicians that vigilance should continue even after cancer treatment ends.

Key Takeaways During Women’s Health Week

• Heart disease in women is often under-recognized and presents with atypical symptoms
• Prevention through lifestyle modification and regular health checks is essential
• Cardio-oncology is critical for patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic cancer therapies
• Oncologists play a vital role in monitoring and optimizing heart health during and after cancer treatment
• Advocacy and self-care are crucial: “Listen to your body, and if something is not the usual, seek medical attention. Your health is worth prioritizing”

About Dr. Hundal

Jasmin Hundal, MD, MS, MPH, is a second-year Hematology/Oncology Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Previously, she completed her Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Hundal’s main area of interest is the overlap between cardiometabolic health and cancer, particularly for breast cancer patients and survivors. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and hiking.