Considering cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, are the number one leading cause of death worldwide, it is essential that everyone takes their heart health seriously, regardless of their age, race, or gender. However, there is a common misconception that heart disease is a "man's disease," and as such, many women do not think about their heart health or talk to their doctor about their risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the fact is that cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year.
In fact, according to the American Heart Association, heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Unfortunately, many women are not aware of this, with only 44% of women surveyed recognizing that cardiovascular disease is the greatest threat to their health. The good news is that it's never too late to take control of your health by learning more about heart disease and making lifestyle changes to improve your heart health.
Keep reading to learn more about women's heart health, including risk factors, prevention strategies, symptoms to look out for, and when you should talk to your doctor.
Why Heart Health is Different for Women
Heart attacks have traditionally been associated with men because men tend to experience heart attacks more frequently and at a younger age than women. However, while heart attacks are more common in men, women are more likely to die from a heart attack due to a variety of biological and social factors. One reason why women are more likely to die from a heart attack is that they often experience more subtle and unusual symptoms than men during a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, nausea, back pain, or jaw pain instead of chest pain. Furthermore, some women may even experience silent heart disease, where they have no noticeable symptoms. All these factors can then lead to delayed diagnosis and higher fatality rates.
Additionally, when a woman does seek treatment for heart disease, their smaller arteries can make heart disease harder to detect using traditional diagnostic methods. This problem is then compounded by gender bias, as many doctors dismiss women's concerns about heart disease. However, just because women have fewer heart attacks than men doesn't mean they aren't at risk. The fact is that heart attack risk increases dramatically after menopause, as decreases in estrogen can lead to heart disease. This is because estrogen protects the heart, and this protection starts to fade as estrogen levels in the body drop.
Key Risk Factors Specific to Women
One of the best defences against heart disease is knowing your risk factors, as this can empower you with the knowledge you need to make life changes or seek treatment early. In addition to traditional risk factors that affect men, like high blood pressure and cholesterol, old age, diabetes, and obesity, several unique risk factors can lead to heart disease in women, including:
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Pregnancy-Related Conditions: Having a history of certain pregnancy-related complications, including preeclampsia, pregnancy-related hypertension, and gestational diabetes, significantly increases a woman's risk of developing heart disease later in life.
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Early Menopause: Early menopause is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease in women. Women who go through early menopause, either naturally or because of a hysterectomy, are twice as likely to develop heart disease as women of the same age who haven't gone through menopause.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Another common risk factor for heart disease in women is PCOS, which is a metabolic syndrome that can cause excess body fat, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, diabetes, and more. Having PCOS as well as any of these other conditions can double a woman's risk of heart disease.
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Autoimmune Diseases: Certain autoimmune conditions that are more prevalent in women than men, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, also lead to an increased risk of heart disease. It is then essential that women with autoimmune conditions seek early cardiovascular screening.
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Depression and Chronic Stress: Risk factors aren't just limited to physical conditions. The fact is that women who suffer from psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress are much more likely to develop heart disease.
Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms
Unlike men, who most commonly report experiencing crushing chest pain that radiates down into their left arm, women are more likely to experience subtle symptoms during a heart attack. Regardless of your risk factors, it's essential that you know the common heart attack symptoms women experience so that you can seek immediate medical attention. Some of the symptoms women may experience during a heart attack include:
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Shortness of breath
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Nausea or vomiting
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Dizziness or light-headedness
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Excessive sweating
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Unusual fatigue
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Pain in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
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And pain in one or both arms
Prevention and Lifestyle Strategies
While heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, the good news is that there are steps that you can take to control your heart health and reduce your risk, including:
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Managing Your Diet: One of the best things that you can do to support your heart health is to eat a healthy, balanced diet full of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid fatty meats, dairy products, and foods high in salt and sugar. Even making minor changes to your diet can go a long way in boosting your heart health.
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Getting Plenty of Exercise: It's also essential that you stay active by exercising at least 150 minutes per week. Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
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Manage Your Mental Health: It's also important to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or depressed, seeking mental health care is critical.
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Understand Your Numbers: During your annual physical exam, you will likely receive information about your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI. Ensure you understand these numbers and their implications for your heart health, and make lifestyle changes to improve them if they're high.
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Get Regular Screenings and Check-Ups: Most importantly, it is essential that you see your doctor regularly for check-ups. If you are concerned about your heart health, don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and request cardiovascular screenings.
When to See a Doctor?
So, how will you know when you should see a doctor to discuss your heart health? The fact is that it is never a bad idea to consult with your doctor about your heart health if you have concerns about specific risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a sedentary lifestyle. Your doctor can discuss your overall health, ask you about any symptoms you're experiencing, and run tests and cardiovascular screenings to assess your heart health.
When talking to your doctor, you must advocate for yourself and request cardiovascular screenings, as some doctors do not take women's heart attack risk seriously. Taking a proactive approach can help ensure early detection and treatment of heart disease. However, if you believe you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, upper back pain, or extreme dizziness or fatigue, do not wait to see your primary care doctor; call 9-1-1 right away for emergency care. Time is of the essence if you're experiencing a heart attack, making it essential that you seek immediate treatment.
While heart disease is often associated with men, women are still at risk, and you should not underestimate the importance of taking steps to maintain your heart health. As the number one killer of women worldwide, it is essential that you take heart disease seriously and that you know the risk factors that could affect you. The fact is that women's heart health matters, and knowing your risks and recognizing common heart attack symptoms can help you take action early.
