Women’s Heart Health: Medtronic Survey and Campaign

May 7, 2025 /Mpelembe Media/ —  A Medtronic-sponsored survey highlighted a significant lack of discussion and awareness regarding heart health among women aged 30-50 in the US, despite cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death for women. Many women, particularly those in the “sandwich generation,” prioritise the health of others over their own and are less likely to discuss heart health with their mothers or healthcare providers. Medtronic’s “Letter to My Mother” campaign encourages women to have conversations about family history, risk factors, and symptoms to address this critical awareness gap.

Heart health is referred to as the #1 killer of women. More specifically, cardiovascular disease is identified as the #1 killer of women in the U.S.. Heart disease has remained the leading cause of death in women for more than a century, accounting for more deaths than all cancers combined. In the context of women’s health, heart health is also considered the “deadliest concern of all“.

Several key factors contribute to the awareness gap in women’s heart health:

A significant gap exists in awareness and discussion around heart health among women.

Many women are unaware of the risk and the importance of heart health.

Nearly 1 in 3 women have not talked to their doctor about heart health. Among those with a family history of heart disease, only one-third (35%) asked their doctor to assess their heart risk.

Over half (56%) of women surveyed admit they have never discussed heart health with their mothers or other women in their family. For those with a family history, only 44% actually talked about it with their mothers or mother-figures. Star Jones notes that despite a family history, it was rarely a topic discussed in her family.

Women often experience heart attack symptoms differently.

Early signs and symptoms of heart disease in women often get brushed off as stress or anxiety.

Many women are part of the “sandwich generation”, responsible for making healthcare decisions for others (children, parents, and family members), but over 60% find it hard to make their own health a priority.

There is a worry that older mothers might ignore symptoms or fail to inform others when something is wrong, suggesting a general difficulty in communicating health issues within families.

Women may lack the confidence, knowledge, or resources to discuss their health history.

Women have a unique experience with heart disease and risk factors, such as high blood pressure during pregnancy, which might not be widely understood in the general narrative around heart health.

These factors highlight a multifaceted issue involving individual behaviour, family dynamics, healthcare interactions, and unique biological considerations, all contributing to the reduced awareness and prioritisation of heart health among women.

Based on the provided sources:

Nearly 1 in 3 women have not talked to their doctor about heart health.

Over half (56%) of women surveyed admit they have never discussed heart health with their mothers or other women in their family.

The survey was sponsored by Medtronic.

The survey, which focused on awareness and discussion around heart health among women aged 30-50, was conducted by Wakefield Research and endorsed by WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. Medtronic engaged Wakefield Research to carry out the survey. The name of the campaign is the Medtronic ‘Letter to My Mother’ campaign.

This campaign encourages women to prioritise heart health, specifically by initiating conversations with their mothers or other women in their lives about family history, risk factors, and the signs and symptoms of heart disease. It is part of Medtronic’s commitment to advancing clinical research for women’s health and aims to close the awareness gap around heart disease, particularly regarding high blood pressure and heart valve failure in women. The campaign was timed to launch around Mother’s Day during Women’s Health Month. Medtronic also offered to make a donation to a cause advancing women’s heart health for every pledge taken as part of the campaign.  Medtronic plc is headquartered in Galway, Ireland.

The survey results were endorsed by WomenHeart. The organization is identified as WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. They are described as the nation’s leading voice for women living with or at risk of heart disease and are dedicated to promoting awareness, advocacy, and support for these women, empowering them to take charge of their heart health and improve outcomes.