Did you know that more women die of heart disease each year than men? Heart disease kills more women over 65 than do all cancers combined. With all the information in the medical literature about men and heart disease, it’s easy to overlook that women may have different symptoms and concerns when it comes to their heart health. Fortunately, women can take steps to understand their risk factors and unique symptoms for heart disease.
How are the symptoms of a heart attack different in women from men?
The classic symptom in both women and men of a potential heart attack is some type of pain or pressure in the chest. It’s not always severe, particularly in women, and other symptoms which seem unrelated to chest pain may actually be more prevalent in women than men experiencing a heart attack. These symptoms include:
- Jaw pain, or pain radiating in the neck, shoulder or upper back
- Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Unusual fatigue
- Lightheadedness, or dizziness
The symptoms of heart attach in women can be more subtle than the crushing chest pain we normally associate with heart attacks. This might be because smaller arteries are often involved in women’s heart attacks, as well as the larger arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. Unfortunately, many women try to ignore these symptoms and delay seeking treatment damaging the heart more. If you think you may be having a heart attack, call for emergency help immediately, by calling 911. Don’t drive yourself to the emergency room.
Heart disease is only something older women should worry about, right?
Wrong. While it is true that women under 65 are less likely to die of heart disease than of other causes, heart disease is still the 2nd or 3rd cause of death in women 25 – 64.
Women can do a lot to manage their heart disease risk at any age.
A family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, and obesity affect both women and men contributing to the development of heart disease. You may have heard of metabolic syndrome (fat around the abdomen, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high triglycerides) which is also an important risk factor for the development of heart disease in women. Other risk factors include mental stress, smoking, and low estrogen levels after menopause. Depression is more common in women than men, and it increases the risk of heart disease 2-3 times compared with those who aren’t depressed.
Moderate exercise such as walking at a brisk pace for 30-60 minutes most days of the week is a great way to reduce your heart disease risk factors. If you only have 10-15 minutes to walk you will still see some benefit. Losing just 10-15 pounds can help lower your blood pressure and help prevent diabetes which should also reduce your risk of heart disease. There are other small changes you can make to increase your physical activity through out the day. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walk or bicycle to work, eat a diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt, these small changes can add up to a more healthy heart.
Does taking a daily aspirin help women the same way it helps men prevent heart disease and stroke?
Ultimately this is a discussion every woman should have with their doctor, because everyone is different. But, according to the American Heart Association guidelines, most women may benefit from a daily aspirin in preventing stroke and heart attacks, however, women may be at a higher risk of bleeding if taking a daily aspirin too. Your doctor can discuss the risk and benefits with you based on your individual medical history and risk factors.
All women need to consider that they may be affected by heart disease. But by becoming aware of the risks and symptoms women with heart disease face, as well as exercising and making heart healthy diet choices, women can help protect their heart.
