Health
Heart health risk factors for women over age 50: 'Don't ignore new symptoms,' experts warn
February is American Heart Month — a good time to know what’s at stake in terms of your cardiovascular health.
For women over age 50, a few factors regarding heart health deserve a little more attention, according to experts.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, according to Northwell Health cardiologist Dr. Stacey Rosen, who is based in New York.
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Nearly 45% of women over 20 years old are actually living with some form of CVD, Rosen told Fox News Digital.
Gender-specific risk factors include menstrual history and adverse pregnancy outcomes, she said.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, according to experts. For American Heart Month in February, there are risk factors women need to know about — and how to handle them. (iStock)
“Other sex-specific risk factors include anxiety and depression, increased risk due to certain treatments for breast cancer, and rheumatologic conditions,” she said.
Dr. John Whyte, chief medical officer of WebMD and based in Washington, D.C., also told Fox News Digital about some primary risk factors for women age 50 and older — starting with menopause.
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“The decrease in estrogen levels after menopause is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons [we see an] increase in heart attacks around this age.”
High blood pressure and high cholesterol also often increase with age and can become “more challenging to control,” Whyte said.
Gender-specific heart disease risk factors include menopause, menstrual history and adverse pregnancy outcomes, according to experts. (iStock)
“Changes in cholesterol levels, including increases in ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and decreases in ‘good’ HDL cholesterol, can elevate heart disease risk,” he said.
Diabetes risk also increases with age, which significantly raises the chance of heart disease, Whyte said, as do other health factors such as obesity, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle.
“Lack of physical activity can increase the risk of heart disease and other co-morbid conditions,” he added.
Symptoms worth noticing
As women often experience different cardiac symptoms than men, the “classic chest pain that radiates down the left arm” may not occur, Whyte said.
Women may instead notice unusual or extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and indigestion.
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Jaw, neck and upper back pain are often overlooked, as they often occur without the chest pain associated with heart attacks, according to experts.
“The symptoms women experience with heart disease can often be different,” Rosen of New York said.
“Don’t ignore new symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness or indigestion.”
Symptoms of heart problems in women can appear as unusual or severe fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and indigestion. (iStock)
There are several routine exams to monitor heart health, Whyte noted.
Blood pressure screenings are “crucial,” the doctor said, as “hypertension is a silent killer.”
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An annual cholesterol profile check will monitor levels of HDL (“good” cholesterol), LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride (lipid fats).
“The key is not just total cholesterol, but also LDL,” Whyte said.
An annual cholesterol profile check will help monitor HDL (“good” cholesterol), LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride levels. (iStock)
Blood glucose tests can also be helpful in monitoring diabetes, which is a “significant risk factor for heart disease,” Whyte said, as well as a coronary calcium score to determine risk.
People with symptoms or significant risk factors can check for heart rhythm abnormalities through an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), experts recommend.
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It’s “important to have a primary care clinician who knows you well and can help determine the need for further evaluation,” Rosen added.
“Develop a trusting, longitudinal relationship with a primary care clinician,” she recommended. “This is the time to be a ‘good’ patient. Ask questions about prevention strategies and cardiovascular testing that is appropriate for you.”
Strategies to keep the heart happy
The majority of CVD is preventable through lifestyle changes, heightened awareness and education, Rosen said — which means that “your heart health is in your hands.”
“Know your numbers — cholesterol, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar — as all are important risk factors that can be modified,” she said.
Health factors such as obesity, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle increase heart disease risk, experts said. (iStock)
For day-to-day upkeep, Whyte listed several foods that are known to promote a healthy heart.
These include fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants; whole grains for fiber and nutrients; lean protein like fish and poultry; nuts and seeds for healthy fats; legumes for fiber and protein; and coffee and tea for antioxidants.
Limiting sugary foods and drinks will help prevent obesity and diabetes.
Among the foods to avoid are saturated and trans fats, which are found in red meat, butter, cheese and processed foods, experts said.
Steering clear of excess salt will also help avoid high blood pressure — while limiting sugary foods and drinks will help prevent obesity and diabetes.
Processed and junk foods are “generally high in unhealthy fats, sugars and salt” and therefore should also be avoided, Whyte added.
Saturated and trans fats found in red meat, butter, cheese and processed foods should be avoided to promote heart health, Whyte said. (iStock)
Women over age 50 should partake in regular physical activity, which involves at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of “vigorous activity” each week, he recommended.
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“Start anywhere,” he advised. Do “10 [minutes] a day or 4,000 steps a day … and slowly increase. Don’t get discouraged thinking you can’t do 150 [minutes].”
Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise will also help ward off heart complications, as well as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake and managing stress.
It’s crucial for women over age 50 to prioritize their sleep and stress management, one expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Whyte suggested women should try stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga or deep breathing, and should also get adequate sleep.
“Aim for seven to nine hours per night, as poor sleep can cause chronic inflammation,” he said.
Rosen agreed that while being mindful of daily lifestyle choices like eating healthy foods and exercising is important, it’s also crucial for women over 50 to prioritize their sleep and stress management.
“Speak to your clinician to learn of the advances that have been made to assist in adhering to a healthy lifestyle,” she said.
“For example, we can manage issues with sleep disorders better than ever before. Don’t be afraid to ask.”
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Bipartisan push to invest in US national parks
Bret Baier moderates a discussion with Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) about the ‘America the Beautiful’ initiative. This bipartisan effort seeks to modernize national parks ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, investing $1.9 billion annually. They emphasize national parks as common ground, beloved by all Americans, and crucial for our shared heritage.
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As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, many Americans are taking extra notice of all the things the country has to offer.
One such case is our access to vast wilderness. Today, the nation’s national parks are bustling tourist attractions, but they may also serve as vital resources for public health, experts say.
The most immediate health boost comes from physical movement.
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Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that regular physical activity is crucial for reducing obesity, improving sleep quality and lowering the risk of chronic illnesses.
The nation’s public lands include parks, trails and open spaces that encourage outdoor recreation and physical activity.
Beyond physical fitness, national parks contribute to documented mental health benefits. (iStock)
A review by the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) found that implementing park, trail and greenway infrastructure directly increases physical activity across communities.
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When people walk, hike or bike through national parks, they are actively lowering their blood pressure, boosting immune function and reducing overall mortality, data shows.
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Beyond physical fitness, national parks may contribute to documented mental health benefits.
Previous research has demonstrated that direct exposure to nature significantly reduces physiological stress, lowers heart rates and decreases levels of stress hormones, like cortisol.
Engaging in educational activities and lifelong learning preserves brain function, improves memory and helps stave off age-related cognitive decline, research shows. (iStock)
This research also shows that natural environments boost attention span, combat mental fatigue and improve cognitive performance.
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Parks also act as natural venues for mindfulness and social connection.
Research shows that practicing mindfulness in quiet outdoor spaces lowers stress and mitigates feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Research highlights that practicing mindfulness in quiet outdoor spaces lowers stress and mitigates feelings of loneliness and social isolation. (iStock)
Additionally, because parks protect cultural and historical resources, they can inspire lifelong learning.
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According to the data, engaging in educational activities and lifelong learning preserves brain function, improves memory and helps stave off age-related cognitive decline.
The National Park Service was established in 1916 to conserve the nation’s natural and historic resources for future generations, according to the organization.
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Today, that mission has expanded, as parks are recognized not only for their scenic and cultural value, but also the opportunities they provide for recreation and physical activity.
Screwworm outbreak threat to US livestock, prompts USDA action
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins discusses USDA’s response to the New World Screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, assuring safe food supply on ‘The Bottom Line.’ VI LONG DEK: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addresses the alarming resurgence of New World Screwworm in Texas and New Mexico, emphasizing USDA’s aggressive containment efforts. She confirms the food supply remains safe while highlighting the administration’s focus on domestic fertilizer production, investing billions in new plants and infrastructure projects. Rollins celebrates 250 years of American agriculture and its vital role in national security.
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Doctors thought a 60-year-old man had metastatic brain cancer after scans revealed multiple tumors – but further testing revealed a shocking diagnosis.
The Spanish man, who was not named, was found to have a parasitic tapeworm larvae lodged in his brain — a case of neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium).
The patient, a lifelong resident of Castellón, Spain, had not traveled to any regions where the disease is endemic, according to the case report published in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
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The man had initially come to the hospital after suffering two weeks of progressive headaches and mild behavioral changes.
Radiologic findings from a study of autochthonous neurocysticercosis brain lesions mimicking metastatic disease. (Emerging Infectious Diseases)
CT scans showed multiple abnormal spots that looked like tumors that had spread from cancer elsewhere in the body, leading doctors to suspect advanced brain cancer.
However, whole-body scans, a colonoscopy and specialized imaging failed to identify cancer anywhere in the patient’s body, the case report stated.
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When doctors performed a more detailed MRI, they discovered several fluid-filled cysts in the brain, some of which contained the head of a tapeworm. A blood test confirmed the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis.
The man was treated with a combination of albendazole and praziquantel (two antiparasitic medications), as well as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. He successfully recovered with no complications, according to the case report.
CT scans (not pictured) showed multiple abnormal spots that looked like tumors that had spread from cancer elsewhere in the body, leading doctors to suspect advanced brain cancer. (iStock)
The authors suggested that the patient may have gotten the infection after accidentally ingesting microscopic tapeworm eggs years earlier.
The exposure may have occurred while working a construction job with migrant coworkers from regions where neurocysticercosis is endemic.
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People can catch the pork tapeworm in two different ways. Eating undercooked infected pork usually leads to an intestinal tapeworm, but accidentally swallowing the parasite’s eggs — typically through food or water contaminated with feces — can send the larvae into the bloodstream, where they may form cysts in the brain and other organs. This can cause the disease the patient in the case report acquired.
A photomicrograph shows histopathologic features in a brain tissue specimen from a case of neurocysticercosis caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. The image documents pathological changes associated with this parasitic infection. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
As this was just a single case, the source of transmission could not be proven, the researchers acknowledged, and the findings cannot be generalized to a wider population. The report shows that there is a possibility of local transmission in non-endemic settings, but cannot establish how often this occurs.
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In the United States, less than 2% of neurocysticercosis cases are considered domestically acquired, according to the case report.
A prior systematic review identified only 18 confirmed locally acquired cases in Western Europe between 1990 and 2011.
The authors suggested that the patient may have gotten the infection after accidentally ingesting microscopic tapeworm eggs years earlier. (Associated Press)
In some cases, NCC can cause serious symptoms, including seizures, stroke, neurological deficits and cognitive decline.
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“Our case emphasizes that the absence of travel history should not preclude NCC from the differential diagnosis of multiple ring-enhancing brain lesions, even in regions where metastatic cancer is statistically much more likely,” the researchers concluded in the case study.
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Detecting the worms earlier could have prevented “unnecessary invasive oncologic procedures and led to prompt, targeted antiparasitic therapy,” they added.
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.
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A rare and potentially fatal tick-borne illness currently spreading across the United States can be traced back to a 1958 case involving a young boy on a farm.
The disease, known as Powassan virus, was named for the Ontario town near where it was first discovered.
At the time of his death, Lincoln Byers, a 4-year-old living in Canada, had a condition that medical professionals could not explain, the Boston Globe reported.
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Years later, researchers discovered a tick harboring the same virus on a dead squirrel, finally providing an answer to the tragedy, but foreshadowing a growing public health challenge.
While once considered an obscure medical anomaly, Powassan virus cases have reached historic highs in the U.S., data show.
Powassan is most prevalent from late spring through mid-fall, when tick populations peak and outdoor activity increases. (iStock)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 76 Americans were diagnosed with the virus in 2025, the highest annual total on record. Previously, the U.S. averaged just seven to eight diagnoses each year.
The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected woodchuck tick or deer tick. Like other tick-borne illnesses, Powassan is most prevalent from late spring through mid-fall, when tick populations peak and outdoor activity increases.
Public health experts warn that the virus’s transmission speed makes it uniquely dangerous.
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“One of the most dangerous aspects is its rapid transmission,” Dr. Jorge P. Parada, a medical advisor at the National Pest Management Association in Chicago, told Fox News Digital.
“Powassan can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the infected tick bites, while Lyme disease usually requires a 36- to 48-hour attachment time for transmission.”
Powassan carries an incubation period of one to four weeks before symptoms manifest. (iStock)
Parada noted that while Powassan remains rare compared to Lyme disease, it poses clinical concern.
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Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, confirmed that the virus transmits significantly faster than Lyme disease. He noted that Powassan carries an incubation period of one to four weeks before symptoms manifest.
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Initial symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness, though some infected individuals remain asymptomatic, according to the CDC.
There are currently no specific medications or vaccines to treat or prevent Powassan virus. (iStock)
The virus can progress to severe neurological complications, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord membranes).
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In severe cases, patients may experience confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking and seizures, per the CDC.
“One of the most dangerous aspects of it is its rapid transmission.”
Approximately 10% of Powassan cases involving severe neurological disease are fatal, and many survivors experience long-term neurological issues.
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There are currently no specific medications or vaccines to treat or prevent Powassan virus; clinical care is limited to supportive therapy, such as intravenous fluids and respiratory support.
While anyone can develop severe illness, those at the highest risk include children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals, experts caution.
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