Cardiovascular disease kills one in three women every year—more than all cancers combined. Yet most women have never been taught how their symptoms differ from men’s, how hormones shift risk, or how heart health connects to pelvic wellbeing.
This on-demand Pelvic Power Hour with cardiologist and American Heart Association board member Dr. Veronica McCloskey brings clarity, science, and the kind of real-talk guidance women rarely receive in a clinical setting.
If you signed up, your episode will be sent straight to your inbox on December 4—ready for you to watch or listen whenever it works for you.
Welcome to the conversation every woman deserves.
Heart Disease: Not Just a “Men’s Issue”
Heart disease remains the number one killer of women in the United States, claiming the life of one woman every 80 seconds. Despite this, fewer than half of women recognize it as their greatest health threat.
We grow up with the image of heart attacks happening to older men. But the reality is stark:
- More than 60 million American women are living with cardiovascular disease.
- Symptoms in women often look different—and are dismissed far more often.
- Heart attacks among women under 50 are rising, driven by hormonal shifts, pregnancy complications, autoimmune conditions, and chronic stress.
Instead of the “Hollywood” chest-clutch moment, women may feel:
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea or dizziness
- Jaw, neck, or back pain
These subtler signs are frequently labeled as stress or exhaustion—leading to dangerous delays in care.
Understanding these differences can be lifesaving.
Meet Dr. Veronica McCloskey
Dr. McCloskey is a board-certified cardiologist and the Chief Medical Officer at HCA Florida Westside Hospital. With more than 20 years of experience in cardiovascular medicine and hospital leadership, she is a nationally recognized voice in preventive cardiology and women’s heart health.
She currently serves as President-Elect of the South Florida American Heart Association, where she champions innovation, awareness, and improved outcomes for women.
Her depth of clinical expertise—and her passion for empowering women through education—make this conversation essential viewing for anyone seeking clarity about their heart, hormones, and long-term vitality.
Five Things Every Woman Should Know About Her Heart
1. Women’s symptoms often don’t look like men’s.
Shortness of breath, jaw pain, back discomfort, nausea, and overwhelming fatigue can appear weeks before a cardiac event.
2. Hormones and menopause change your risk.
Declining estrogen affects blood vessels, cholesterol, and inflammation—raising cardiovascular risk, especially during perimenopause and menopause.
3. Stress is more than “just stress.”
The invisible emotional load many women carry elevates cortisol, inflammation, and blood pressure—three major drivers of heart disease.
4. Lifestyle is powerful medicine.
30 minutes of movement, consistent sleep, and balanced nutrition have measurable impacts. As Dr. McCloskey says:
“You can’t change your genetics, but you can absolutely influence your outcomes.”
5. Pelvic health and heart health are connected.
Healthy circulation supports arousal, lubrication, bladder control, and core strength. A stronger heart lays the foundation for pelvic stability and whole-body wellness.
Myths Worth Busting
Dr. McCloskey addresses some of the most dangerous misconceptions:
- “Only older women need to worry.”
Heart attacks in younger women are increasing. - “If I exercise, I’m fine.”
Fitness does not cancel out genetics, cholesterol, blood pressure, or inflammation. - “My doctor will catch it.”
Many risk factors go untested unless you ask. - “I’d know if something was wrong.”
Most heart disease is silent until advanced.
Awareness gives women the power to act early. Prevention gives women freedom.
Why This Conversation Matters
Most women only learn about their heart health after a scare, a diagnosis, or a crisis.
This Pelvic Power Hour is about shifting that narrative—from reaction to proactive understanding.
In this episode, Dr. McCloskey breaks down:
- Which screenings to request (and how often)
- How to interpret your numbers
- What symptoms warrant immediate attention
- How to advocate for yourself if you feel dismissed
- How movement, stress, and hormones link heart and pelvic health
It’s practical, compassionate, science-backed guidance for real women with full plates.
Watch On Demand — Available December 4
Pelvic Power Hour: The Heart of the Matter will be delivered directly to your inbox upon release.
Watch when you’re ready. Listen during your walk. Take notes at your own pace.
This isn’t just about avoiding disease.
It’s about building a stronger, more informed, more connected relationship with your body—heart, pelvis, and everything in between.
For more expert insights and upcoming Pelvic Power Hour conversations, follow @pelihealth.
