Bloomberg Businessweek
Episode: The Key to a Healthy Woman's Heart
Date: February 27, 2026
Hosts: Carol Massar & Tim Stanovec
Guest: Dr. Joy Gelman, Associate Professor of Medicine & Board-Certified Cardiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine
Episode Overview
This episode of Bloomberg Businessweek spotlights the escalating risks and realities of heart disease in women. Hosts Carol Massar and Tim Stanovec speak with renowned cardiologist Dr. Joy Gelman about why heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death among women—killing more women than all forms of cancer combined—and why these risks are rising, especially among younger women. The discussion aims to debunk myths, highlight unique female risk factors, and empower listeners (and their families) to advocate for their heart health.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Alarming Reality of Heart Disease in Women
(01:44–02:54)
- Heart disease remains the number one killer of women in the U.S.—surpassing all forms of cancer combined.
- New research from Circulation warns of an "alarming uptick" in heart disease among younger women:
- Nearly one-third of women aged 22–44 will be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease by 2050.
- The American Heart Association forecasts that by 2050, 6 out of 10 women could have some degree of heart disease.
"It's been known for decades that heart disease is the number one killer of women. And unfortunately...we're learning that...the burden is projected to increase...to which six out of ten women is expected to have some degree of heart disease by 2050."
— Dr. Joy Gelman (02:54)
2. Defining Heart Disease and Its Risk Factors
(04:01–05:43)
- Heart disease is an umbrella term encompassing:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart rhythm problems
- Structural/functional problems of the heart muscle
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) and its downstream effects
- Major risk factors:
- Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking
- Women-specific risk factors: Pregnancy-related complications (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders)—conditions that can increase a woman’s risk later in life.
"There are risk factors that are actually specific to women...adverse outcomes in pregnancy...hypertensive disorders, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes—these...increase their risk of heart disease down the road."
— Dr. Joy Gelman (04:50)
3. Underdiagnosis and Gender Gaps
(05:53–08:20)
- Why is heart disease in women underdiagnosed or undertreated?
- Lack of awareness: Many women believe heart disease is a “man’s disease.”
- Atypical symptoms: Instead of “classic” chest pain, women may feel nausea, back pain, indigestion, sweating, extreme fatigue.
- Dismissal by both patient and provider: Symptoms may be chalked up to anxiety or stress, leading to missed or delayed diagnosis.
- Women as caregivers often downplay or ignore their symptoms.
"A lot of women think, oh, that's for men...the old guy shoveling snow who's clutching their chest."
— Dr. Joy Gelman (06:32)
"Women sometimes can have atypical symptoms, meaning...nausea, sweatiness, back pain...They might think it's indigestion or just tired...they often will dismiss their symptoms."
— Dr. Joy Gelman (07:08)
4. What Women (and Their Loved Ones) Should Do
(08:20–10:01)
- Know your numbers, know your risk (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar).
- Annual check-ups: Ask your doctor to proactively check risk factors—even if you feel fine.
- Healthy lifestyle choices:
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Get regular physical activity (can be any activity that gets heart rate up—gardening, cleaning, walking)
- Manage stress and prioritize sleep
- Prevention is key: Small, consistent habits matter more than drastic measures.
"Some risk factors that you have, you may not feel or notice...Get your blood pressure checked...know what your cholesterol is...eat a healthy diet...exercise, and that doesn't mean you’ve got to go to the gym. It can be gardening, shoveling, cleaning, walking—anything that gets your heart rate up."
— Dr. Joy Gelman (08:50)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Message Fatigue & Health Campaigns:
"[Breast cancer] campaign, the pink ribbon, that's been a...very strong public awareness campaign...a lot of women think [heart disease]...is for men."
— Dr. Joy Gelman (06:32) -
On the Importance of Self-Advocacy:
"You do need to know your numbers, know your risk...prevention and...working on those modifiable risk factors is really key."
— Dr. Joy Gelman (08:50) -
On Symptoms:
"Women sometimes can have atypical symptoms...they might think it's indigestion or just tired...they often will dismiss their symptoms."
— Dr. Joy Gelman (07:08)
Key Timestamps
- 01:44–02:54: Introduction to episode theme; recent research statistics on heart disease in women
- 04:01–05:43: Dr. Gelman defines heart disease and expands on risk factors
- 05:53–08:20: Discussion of underdiagnosis and why women’s symptoms are missed
- 08:20–10:01: Actionable advice for women and their loved ones—knowing risks, advocating for care, and prevention tips
Tone and Takeaways
The conversation is informative, urgent, and practical—with a strong call to action. Dr. Gelman’s approach is empathetic and empowering, emphasizing the need for both awareness and agency among women and those who care for them. Her recommendations are accessible, aiming to demystify cardiac health and make prevention both actionable and non-intimidating.
Bottom Line
Heart disease is not just a “man’s problem”—it is rising among women, including the young. Women need to:
- Stay informed,
- Advocate for themselves in healthcare settings,
- Know their risk factors,
- Make practical, sustainable lifestyle changes.
As Dr. Gelman sums up, small steps and proactive healthcare can make all the difference in protecting the heart health of women everywhere.