# Dr Ellie: Why middle-aged women face heart attack risks

> Middle-aged women face hidden heart attack risks, similar to Emma Chambers' death at 53.
- Title: Dr Ellie: Why middle-aged women face heart attack risks
- Summary: Middle-aged women face hidden heart attack risks, similar to Emma Chambers' death at 53. Middle-aged women are at higher risk of heart attacks due to…
- Keywords: heart disease, menopause, british heart foundation, emma chambers, women's health, heart attack risk, news, entertainment, Ellie, middle-aged, women, face
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/health/article-16198581/dr-ellie-cannon-middle-age-women-risk-heart-attacks.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-10T16:04:04+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: heart disease, menopause, british heart foundation, emma chambers, women's health, heart attack risk, news, entertainment
## Heart disease risks for women
For women in their 50s, heart disease is a major threat often ignored despite being twice as deadly as breast cancer in Britain.
## Emma Chambers' death
Vicar of Dibley star Emma Chambers died of a heart attack at age 53 in 2018.
## Misdiagnosis risks
Women are 50 per cent more likely to get the wrong initial diagnosis for a heart attack, leading to delayed treatment.
## Menopause and heart disease
Heart disease becomes more common in women after menopause as oestrogen levels drop, increasing risk.
## Meno-belly risks
Tummy fat around the middle, called meno-belly, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
## Early menopause risks
Women who go through early menopause lose heart protection sooner, spending more years at higher risk.
## Risk factors for women
Women have extra risk factors doctors rarely ask about: early periods, miscarriages, and pregnancy complications.
## NHS health checks
Women aged 40 to 74 in England get free NHS health checks every five years to spot heart risks.
## Lifestyle changes
Improved diet with nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocados can lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
## Blood pressure focus
Women are less likely to have high blood pressure but it raises heart attack risk more than in men.
## Blood pressure monitoring
Buy your own blood pressure monitor or get checked free at your GP or pharmacy.
## Medications for heart health
Statins and other medications can help manage cholesterol and reduce heart attack risk.
## Menopause and heart health
Menopause requires attention to heart health as oestrogen levels drop, increasing cardiovascular risk.
## Weight-loss injections
Men are less likely to use weight-loss injections despite their benefits for heart health.
## Prostate medication side effects
Medication for enlarged prostate can cause sexual problems, including difficulty with erections.
## Heart health advice
Know your numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes are key modifiable risk factors for heart health.
## Key takeaway

Middle-aged women are at higher risk of heart attacks due to menopause, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment.