This American Heart Month, protect your heart with lifestyle changes and prevention.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, affecting millions each year. Despite this, heart disease in women often goes unnoticed or unrecognized, both by individuals and within the medical community. February, which is American Heart Month, offers an important opportunity to raise awareness, educate, and empower women to take charge of their heart health.
Understanding Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease is an umbrella term for several conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart attacks. For women, the symptoms and risks may not always align with what is traditionally known about heart disease. This makes heart disease in women more difficult to diagnose and manage.
According to the CDC, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women, accounting for approximately 1 in every 5 deaths in the U.S. However, the recognition of heart disease as the primary health threat among women has only gained widespread attention in recent years. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) claims the lives of more women than all cancers combined, yet many women remain unaware of this fact.
Heart disease does not discriminate, and while men and women experience similar risk factors, women face unique challenges and risks that make them more susceptible to heart disease. Understanding these factors, recognizing the symptoms, and taking preventive action is vital for improving heart health and outcomes for women.
The Gender Gap in Heart Disease Awareness
There is a significant gender gap when it comes to heart disease awareness. A survey by the American Heart Association found that only 56% of women recognize heart disease as their number one killer, despite the fact that it claims more women’s lives annually than any other disease. This lack of awareness, coupled with the fact that heart disease often presents differently in women, contributes to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
For example, women are less likely than men to experience the classic symptom of chest pain during a heart attack. Instead, they might experience more subtle symptoms, such as back or jaw pain, nausea, and extreme fatigue, making it harder for them to recognize the severity of the situation. This disparity highlights the need for both women and healthcare providers to be more vigilant about heart health, especially as many women tend to prioritize the health of their families over their own.
Risk Factors Specific to Women
While heart disease shares many common risk factors for both men and women, certain factors make women more vulnerable to cardiovascular problems. These include:
Pregnancy-related Conditions
Women who have had complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or a preterm birth, are at a higher risk for developing heart disease later in life. These pregnancy-related conditions can significantly affect a woman’s long-term cardiovascular health.
Preeclampsia, for example, is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Women who experience preeclampsia are at a much higher risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease in the future.
Hormonal Changes
After menopause, a woman’s risk for heart disease increases significantly. This is due to a drop in estrogen levels, which has been shown to provide protective benefits for the heart. The loss of this protection leads to an increased risk for conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity—three significant risk factors for heart disease.
Women who have a family history of cardiovascular disease or are diagnosed with certain conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also at higher risk for heart disease, particularly as they age.
Mental Health and Stress
Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression, and research has shown that individuals with chronic mental health conditions are at a higher risk for heart disease. The stress of balancing multiple responsibilities, particularly for caregivers, can also lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits like poor eating, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep—all contributing to a higher risk for heart disease.
Obesity
Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart disease and is especially concerning for women. According to the CDC, approximately 40% of U.S. women are considered obese, which can lead to increased risks for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes—all of which are linked to heart disease.
Smoking
Smoking is another important factor that contributes to the development of heart disease in women. While the rates of smoking have decreased overall, women who smoke still face a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease, especially when combined with other factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women
The symptoms of heart disease can vary between men and women. While chest pain is the most commonly recognized symptom of a heart attack, many women experience other symptoms that might be overlooked or attributed to something less serious. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Chest pain or discomfort which may feel like tightness, pressure, or heaviness in the chest. For women, this pain may radiate to the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath which may occur suddenly or gradually.
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness especially if accompanied by sweating or unusual fatigue.
- Pain in the back, jaw, or neck which can be mistaken for other conditions like muscle strain.
- Extreme fatigue or feeling exhausted, even with minimal activity.
- Pain in the upper abdomen or between the shoulder blades.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can significantly reduce the damage caused by heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions.
Prevention and Heart-Healthy Habits for Women
The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable. By adopting heart-healthy habits, women can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. Here are some key prevention tips:
Regular Check-ups and Blood Pressure Monitoring
It’s essential for women to see their healthcare provider regularly to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose. Many women are unaware that they have high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, so routine check-ups are important for early detection and management.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce heart disease risk. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming can improve heart health and lower blood pressure.
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (such as those from avocados, nuts, and fish) can help prevent heart disease. Reducing salt, sugar, and processed foods will further support heart health.
Manage Stress
Finding healthy ways to cope with stress is crucial. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can all help reduce stress levels. Seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling from a behavioral therapist, can also be beneficial for managing chronic stress and mental health issues.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking is one of the most preventable risk factors for heart disease. Quitting smoking can immediately reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Drinking in moderation is key. Too much alcohol can increase blood pressure, raise cholesterol levels, and contribute to weight gain.
Your Heart Health is in Your Hands
Ladies, you have the power to take control of your heart health by scheduling a visit with your Primary Care provider to discuss heart health, risk factors, and a personalized plan to reduce those risks. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels is essential for preventing and managing heart disease.
Consider adopting heart-healthy habits like exercising regularly, eating a nutrient-dense diet, managing stress, and quitting smoking. By taking proactive steps, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and live a long, healthy life.
Remember, February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on your heart health. Let’s raise awareness and take action to protect ourselves and the women around us.
CONSIDER THINK YOUR PARTNER IN HEART HEALTH.
If you have concerns about your heart health, now is the time to schedule a visit with your Primary Care provider. Our team of experts can offer personalized care and guidance to help you stay on track with your heart health goals. Whether you need advice on exercise, diet, or managing heart disease risk factors, we are here to support you every step of the way.
It’s never too late to take control of your heart health. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, heart-focused life.To schedule an appointment, you can visit our self-scheduling page. If you need a Primary Care provider, explore our Meet Your Doctor page to learn more about our think physicians.