Heart disease is usually viewed as something that primarily happens to men, but the reality is it’s the number one cause of death among women, in the United States and globally. Even so, a lot of women don’t know heart attacks can present differently for them. Because of this, warning signs might be missed and treatment delayed. Being aware of what to look for could save a life literally.
When most people have a heart attack, they envision sudden, severe chest pain. And yes, chest pain is the most prevalent symptom in both men and women. But here’s the catch—women tend to feel it differently. Rather than that, squeezing pain may feel like tightness or pressure. Some women do not experience chest pain at all. What they may experience instead are such things as neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or even upper stomach pain. They may feel breathless, queasy, sweaty, dizzy, or excessively fatigued. Some also report what amounts to heartburn. These symptoms may begin subtly and sometimes occur while at rest or even sleeping. Stress, particularly emotional stress, may also be a cause.
Since the symptoms may be subtle or misleading, women may not hurry to seek assistance. Waiting can, however, be risky. The more quickly you receive treatment, the greater your opportunity of preventing damage. If you—or someone around you—is experiencing any of these, don’t hesitate. Dial emergency services immediately. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and get examined.
Many of the suspects when it comes to heart disease—such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity—are just as dangerous for women as they are for men. But some risk factors affect women more profoundly. Smoking is one. Its impact on women’s cardiovascular health is greater. Not getting regular exercise is another. Emotional stress and depression may also fall more heavily on women, further complicating adherence to healthy habits or medication. Diabetes is particularly problematic—not only does it increase the risk for women, but it can also numb the pain from a heart attack, causing a “silent” heart attack.
Hormones enter the picture, too. After menopause, declining estrogen can bring on small-vessel heart disease. And pregnancy complications—such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes—can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues later in life. Family history is important too, particularly if a close relative, a female relative close to you, had heart disease before age 65.
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or scleroderma increase heart risk as well, as do other chronic inflammatory illnesses. If you are younger than 65 and have any of these risk factors, you must remain vigilant about your heart health.
This is the good news—there are lots of things you can do to look after your heart. One of the best is not to smoke or use tobacco. Healthy eating helps a lot. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins come to mind. Try to reduce salt, added sugar, and unhealthy fats. Regular physical activity is gigantic—shoot for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. Those small amounts count too. Exercise, meditation, or spending time with supportive friends and family are also good for your heart.
Other good habits are having less booze, monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and having regular visits to your physician. Don’t forget sleep either—seven to nine hours at night will keep your heart healthy.
If you’ve already experienced a heart attack, recovery isn’t merely a matter of taking it easy. Your heart might take some time to recover, and your physician might recommend you steer clear of some activities for a little while. Cardiac rehabilitation can be beneficial. It’s a program that pairs safe, supervised exercise with healthy living tips and stress-management support. It’s all about regaining strength, self-confidence, and getting your heart into better condition going forward.
Heart disease in women is a serious matter, but with awareness, it can make all the difference. When you understand what to watch out for and how to guard your well-being, you’re already one step ahead. A couple of prudent decisions and regular check-ups can go a long way toward maintaining a healthy heart, for yourself and for those who care about you.