Heart Disease in Women: Why It’s Missed, Especially in Black Women | The Second Opinion

Heart disease kills more women than anything else – and Black women are at the highest risk. In this episode of The Second Opinion, Dr. Sharon Malone sits down with Dr. Jayne Morgan, cardiologist, CNN medical expert, and clinical professor at The Morehouse School of Medicine, to unpack why cardiovascular disease looks different in women – and why Black women face a disproportionate burden. Dr. Morgan explains how heart disease extends far beyond heart attacks, encompassing hypertension, stroke, heart failure, and metabolic conditions – many of which are driven by chronic stress, structural inequities, and what researchers call “weathering.” Together, Dr. Malone and Dr. Morgan explore how pregnancy can act as a woman’s first cardiac stress test, why complications like preeclampsia and gestational hypertension are lifelong risk markers, and how menopause quietly accelerates cardiovascular risk – often without women being told. Together, Dr. Malone and Dr. Jayne Morgan discuss: • Why heart disease is still misunderstood in women • How stress, racism, and environment biologically age the body • Why pregnancy complications signal future heart disease risk • How perimenopause and menopause increase cardiovascular danger • Why symptoms in women are labeled “atypical” — and missed • The role of blood pressure, weight, sleep, and inflammation • How prevention, movement, and monitoring can save lives This episode is a must-watch for women at every stage of life, clinicians, caregivers, and anyone concerned about health equity and prevention. 💡 Key takeaway: Your symptoms are signals – not inconveniences. Listen early, act early, and don’t ignore what your body is telling you. 📌 Topics covered: Heart disease in women • Black women’s health • Cardiovascular disease • Pregnancy complications • Menopause • Hypertension • Medical bias • Health disparities • Prevention • Women’s health advocacy • Maternal health 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes of The Second Opinion with Dr. Sharon Malone, where complex medical issues are broken down — and patients are empowered to ask better questions and demand better care. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Have questions? Submit them to us here: https://www.drsharonmalone.com/podcast 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories and authentic conversations: https://bit.ly/44ecRoy 🎥 Watch More from Higher Ground Media: IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson https://bit.ly/3ZIEXqs Full Playlist: Coming soon Featured Conversations: Coming soon 💬 Join the Conversation: What resonated with you most from this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments! 📱 Follow Higher Ground: Instagram: https://bit.ly/4ems1ga Twitter: https://bit.ly/3GdlVBZ About Higher Ground Higher Ground was founded by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in 2018 to tell powerful stories that entertain, inform, and inspire—while elevating new and diverse voices in the entertainment industry. Learn more at https://highergroundmedia.com/ #HigherGround #BarackObama #MichelleObama