May 9, 2025 | In the News

Essence Shines Light on Women’s Heart Disease

Star Jones was diagnosed with heart disease in 2010 and wants women to know that it’s the leading cause of death among US women. A custom study from Wakefield Research and Medtronic of 1,000 women, ages 30 to 60 with a living mother and living child found that heart health is less of a motivator for women to improve their health (6%) than maintaining their physical appearance is (10%). The survey findings featured in Essence also highlighted that nearly half of women (45%) would rather discuss politics, money or relationships with their mother or grandmother before discussing family health history. Jones hopes to increase awareness and asks women to have more conversations with the women in their lives about heart health.