The Way to a Woman’s (Healthy) Heart

Heart Disease Isn’t Just a “Man’s Disease” 

Heart disease has long been categorized as a “man’s disease” -- if women had a role to play in healthy hearts, it was as the caretaker of a man living with cardiovascular disease. Even as late as 1968, the American Heart Association published materials primarily educating woman on how to care for husbands with heart disease. For most of the 20th century, women’s health has focused on reproductive and breast health. However, in the 1980s, research discovered that not only is cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death for women in the United States, but risk factors and symptoms of heart disease can look much different in women than in men.  

Understanding Risk Factors 

The first step to prevention is for women to understand their risk factors. Both men and women can be risk for heart disease and stroke throughout their life. However, for women certain life stages like pregnancy and menopause can impact cardiovascular health and increase risk factors.  

Risk factors for both men and women include: 

• Personal or family history of high blood pressure 
• Personal or family history of high cholesterol 
• Diabetes 
• Obesity 
• A diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol 
• Not getting enough physical activity 
• Drinking alcohol 
• Smoking 
• Age/race/ethnicity 
• Stress/depression 

How Pregnancy & Menopause Can Increase Risk 

However, it is important to note that risk factors specific to women can increase the likelihood of heart disease and cardiovascular emergency: 

• Experiencing high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes during pregnancy greatly increases a woman’s risk.  
• Women who started their periods before age 11. 
• Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome. 
• Women who had preterm labor or delivered a baby with low or high birth weight. 
• Women who reach menopause before age 45 have significantly higher risk for heart disease. 
• Menopause caused by surgical removal of ovaries at an early age increases risk. 
• Low estrogen can cause cholesterol to build in artery walls, increasing risk factors. 
• Women who experience hot flashes, night sweats, depression and sleeping problems during menopause have an increased risk of heart disease.  
• Women who experience an increase in visceral fat (fat around abdominal cavity) after childbearing years have an increased risk of heart disease.  

Surprising Misconceptions about Women’s Heart Health 

Although heart disease claims more women’s lives than people realize, misconceptions persist. Research shows that fewer than half of women identify heart disease as their biggest health concern. Women are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander during a cardiac emergency. Women are far less likely to be counseled on cardiovascular risk factors, and less likely to be referred to cardiac rehabilitation. Additionally, knowledge gaps in women’s cardiovascular health continue to lag, with women less likely to participate in clinical studies, and less female medical students choosing cardiology as their medical specialty.    

How to Control Your Health Now 

While some risk factors cannot be changed, many lifestyle choices can significantly influence heart health.  

Health experts recommend: 

• Maintaining a healthy weight 
• Staying physically active 
• Eating a heart healthy diet 
• Avoid smoking 
• Check blood pressure regularly 
• Don’t skip primary care and annual wellness visits 
• Make your doctor aware of your medical history, including issues during pregnancy or menopause 

Heart Attack in Women Can Look Less Dramatic 

More importantly, women must understand that a cardiac emergency may not look or feel as dramatic as seen on medical-television shows. Some studies suggest that “silent heart attacks” are more common in women, than in men. Silent heart attacks are just like any other heart attacks – they are caused by a blockage of blood flowing to the heart. However, women tend to dismiss their symptoms as stress or anxiety.  

People who have silent heart attacks often experience subtle symptoms like: 

• Indigestion 
• Flu-like symptoms 
• Feeling a strained muscle in chest or upper back 
• Discomfort in jaw, upper back or arms.  

Silent heart attacks can only be diagnosed by a physician using cardiac imaging tools. It is important for women to advocate for themselves if they feel something is wrong, and not to dismiss their symptoms. 

The key to prevention and treatment of heart disease in women is to know your family history and to talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors. It’s important to ask questions about your health and your risks – don’t take your health lightly. Be your own advocate.  

Take the First Step Today 

Understanding your risks and partnering with a healthcare provider can dramatically improve your health. A primary care provider is the first step to understanding your health and gaining access to specialized care, like cardiology.  

Lake Charles Memorial understands you live a busy life – that's why we offer a same–week, flexible schedule with several primary care providers throughout Southwest Louisiana. To begin your healthcare journey today, schedule a same-week appointment by clicking here.  

References: 

American Heart Association 

Go Red for Women 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention