Heart disease is considered one of the leading causes of death in women across a wide range of ages. Understanding the unique factors that affect women’s cardiovascular health can aid in prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. Here are some commonly asked questions about women’s heart health:
Are Heart Disease Symptoms Different in Women Than in Men?
Women who are experiencing a heart-related medical issue may not have the classic chest pain that men often do. Those women can have different heart attack symptoms than men and might often be mistaken as a different, less serious condition. Being aware of these differences instead of waiting for well-known symptoms in men may result in starting timely treatment.
What Are Common Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Women?
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity are some key risk factors. These risks could also increase with the onset of diabetes, physical inactivity, and a family history of heart disease. There are unique potential conditions that have an impact on women’s heart health, like complications related to pregnancy and menopause.
When Should Women Get Heart Health Screenings?
You should have regular doctor’s appointments where your blood pressure is checked at least every two years. Cholesterol tests are recommended every four to six years at a minimum. Screenings may need to be done more often under certain circumstances. A doctor may suggest extra appointments if your blood pressure significantly changes, your cholesterol increases, or a risk factor appears.
How Common Is Heart Disease in Women in the US?
More than 60 million American women, or 44% of the female population, live with some form of heart disease, with only about half of US women realizing its severity. In many instances, heart disease is the number one cause of death for women, accounting for 1 in 5 female deaths each year. Heart disease can affect women of any age.
Which Kinds of Heart Disease Do Women Often Get?
Heart disease in women occurs in various types. One condition is coronary artery disease, where plaque builds up in the heart’s arteries. Arrhythmia, another heart condition that happens in women, manifests as an irregular heartbeat. When the heart becomes too weak to pump effectively, this causes heart failure, another common heart disease in women.
What Are Women’s Symptoms of Heart Disease?
Symptoms of heart problems in women include chest discomfort, neck or jaw pain, upper abdomen or back aching, and brain fog. Other symptoms of a heart attack include extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. These symptoms, on their own or together, could indicate a severe condition. If you suspect a heart attack or the discomfort is persistent, it is advisable to see a doctor right away.
How Can Women Reduce the Risk of Developing Heart Disease?
Although there are physical factors that may increase women’s chances of developing a heart condition, there are ways to lower the risk. There are some things women can do to lower their chances of heart disease:
- Keep blood pressure in a healthy range.
- Get regular exercise.
- Find healthy ways to manage stress.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Other advice a doctor may give is that smoking should be avoided, alcohol intake should be limited, and you should have regular physician screenings for cholesterol and diabetes.
Protecting Women’s Heart Health
Women’s heart health needs ongoing attention and proactive care from qualified physicians. If you are concerned about hazards to your heart health or if you have risk factors, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. If you do have any of the risk factors for heart disease, there are several things you can do to help your heart continue to function. Make an appointment with a specialist to talk about protecting your heart and make appropriate healthy lifestyle changes.
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