May is Women’s Health Month, and this week we’re focusing on one of the most important—but often overlooked—aspects of women’s wellness: heart health.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the life of 1 in 5 women each year. What’s more concerning is that many women don’t realize they’re at risk, especially because symptoms often show up differently in women than in men.
The good news? Up to 80% of heart disease is preventable with the right lifestyle strategies. At Sanctuary Wellness, we believe in empowering women with holistic tools, education, and healing therapies to take charge of their heart health—inside and out.
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The Unique Way Heart Disease Shows Up in Women
Unlike men, women often experience atypical heart symptoms, which makes diagnosis more challenging. Warning signs may include:
⚠️ Jaw, neck, or back pain
⚠️ Nausea
⚠️ Fatigue
⚠️ Lightheadedness
⚠️ Shortness of breath
⚠️ Indigestion
⚠️ Fluttering heartbeats
⚠️ Sleep disturbances
⚠️ Unexplained anxiety
Because these symptoms can mimic stress, hormonal shifts, or digestive issues, they’re often dismissed. That’s why it’s so important to understand the whole-body connection to heart health, especially for women.
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The Heart-Hormone Connection
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol play a powerful role in cardiovascular health. During the reproductive years, estrogen offers protective effects—it helps keep blood vessels flexible, supports healthy cholesterol levels, and reduces inflammation.
However, during perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels decline, which can:
🌀 Increase LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and decrease HDL (“good”) cholesterol
🌀 Elevate blood pressure
🌀 Disrupt blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
🌀 Increase abdominal fat and inflammation
🌀 Heighten cardiovascular risk
This hormonal shift is one reason why the risk of heart disease rises sharply after menopause. Supporting hormonal balance through stress management, nutrition, detox pathways, and liver health is crucial for women in midlife and beyond.
At Sanctuary Wellness, services like infrared sauna therapy, ionic foot detox, and PEMF help support hormonal regulation by reducing stress, enhancing detoxification, and calming the nervous system.
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Gut Health: Your Second Heart
The gut-heart axis is real—and especially relevant for women. Your gut microbiome produces key compounds that impact inflammation, cholesterol metabolism, and blood vessel function. When the gut is inflamed or imbalanced (a condition called dysbiosis), it can trigger:
🦠 Systemic inflammation (a driver of plaque buildup)
🦠 Elevated triglycerides and blood sugar
🦠 Increased stress hormones
🦠 Impaired nutrient absorption (including magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3s—key for the heart)
Improving gut health with fiber-rich, plant-based foods, fermented foods, and strategic detoxification can dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.
📌 Pro tip: Infrared saunas can also boost gut microbiota diversity, reduce oxidative stress, and lower markers of systemic inflammation.
We will be going in to much greater detail regarding hormonal & but health later in our series. Stay tuned!
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Other Ways Women Can Support a Healthy Heart
The good news? Up to 80% of heart disease is preventable through lifestyle and behavioral changes. Here’s how to start:
1️⃣ Move Your Body
Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week.
At Sanctuary Wellness, our compression therapy boots and infrared sauna with chromotherapy support recovery, circulation, and cardiovascular function—helping you stay consistent and energized.
2️⃣ Infrared Sauna for Heart Health
Infrared sauna therapy isn’t just relaxing—it’s clinically beneficial for cardiovascular wellness. Studies show:
• Using a sauna 4–7 times per week is associated with a 50–63% reduction in cardiovascular-related mortality.
(Source: JAMA Internal Medicine, 2015 – 20-year Finnish study)
• Sauna sessions improve vascular endothelial function, reduce blood pressure, and lower arterial stiffness—all of which are key to heart health.
• Just 20 minutes in an infrared sauna can elevate the heart rate to the equivalent of moderate-intensity exercise, offering a “passive cardio” benefit.
Our full-spectrum infrared saunas and sauna blanket deliver these benefits with the added support of chromotherapy, which has been shown to reduce stress and support mood—two powerful tools for heart health.
3️⃣ PEMF Therapy for Cardiovascular Function
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy is a powerful, non-invasive way to support the body’s natural healing process. When it comes to heart health:
• PEMF has been shown to improve microcirculation, enhance oxygenation, and reduce inflammation—all of which contribute to lower cardiovascular risk.
• Clinical research indicates that PEMF therapy can improve heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of autonomic nervous system balance and cardiovascular resilience.
• Some studies suggest PEMF may reduce the risk of arrhythmias and support recovery after cardiac events.
At Sanctuary, our PEMF therapy mat includes infrared heat and negative ion therapy for a deeply grounding, circulation-boosting experience.
4️⃣ Eat for Heart Health
A plant-forward, antioxidant-rich diet reduces inflammation and supports heart function. Incorporate:
• Leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, berries
• Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil, flax, chia)
• Whole grains and legumes
• Anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, garlic, and ginger
5️⃣ Reduce Stress
Chronic stress is a known contributor to high blood pressure, systemic inflammation, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Our relaxation-focused therapies—halotherapy, PEMF, infrared sauna, and ionic foot detox—support parasympathetic nervous system activation, lower cortisol, and help reset the body’s natural rhythm. Studies show that consistent stress reduction can lower cardiovascular risk by up to 30%.
6️⃣ Supplement Wisely
Targeted supplements can support heart health alongside nutrition and movement. Consider:
• Magnesium – helps regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure
• CoQ10 – supports mitochondrial energy and heart muscle function
• Omega-3s – reduce inflammation and support lipid profiles
• Vitamin D3 – associated with reduced risk of hypertension and cardiovascular events
Ask us about our curated supplement line at Sanctuary—we only carry what we trust and personally use.
7️⃣ Know Your Numbers
Regular check-ins on your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and inflammation markers can help detect problems early. Advocate for testing, and never ignore your intuition—you know when something isn’t right.
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Your Heart Deserves the Same Care You Give Others
The heart isn’t just a muscle—it’s an energetic center of love, connection, and vitality. It reflects the rhythms of your body, hormones, emotions, and even your gut. By nurturing all of you—physically, mentally, emotionally—you can support long-term heart wellness.
Women are natural caretakers—but it’s time to put your own heart at the top of your priority list. This month, we invite you to make space for your well-being in the same way you show up for those you love.
This month, choose one new habit or healing therapy that supports your heart. Whether it’s scheduling a sauna session, joining our membership, or simply walking in nature—your heart will thank you.
Want to learn more about how Sanctuary Wellness can support your heart health journey? Book a free consultation or drop by for a personalized tour. We’re here to help you feel better, live longer, and love your heart—every day.
