Women’s Heart Health: Top Diseases and How to Stay Safe

The World Heart Federation reports that cardiovascular disease is responsible for 35% of deaths among women each year. Despite common misconceptions, it affects women just as much as men, although the symptoms, causes, and risks can differ significantly. In this article, we discuss in detail the types of heart disease in women, symptoms of heart issues in women, and preventive measures to maintain women’s heart health.

What are the Types of Heart Diseases?

Several heart diseases commonly affect women, each with unique risks, highlighting the critical link between women and heart disease.

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – This is the most common type of heart disease, characterised by the narrowing or obstruction of coronary arteries caused by plaque accumulation. It can lead to heart attacks, which are more often fatal in women than in men.
2. Heart Failure – It occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. Women are more prone to a type known as HFpEF, or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. In HFpEF, the heart’s pumping ability remains normal, but the heart muscle becomes stiff and doesn’t fill with blood properly.
3. Arrhythmias – Women may experience irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation, which heightens the risk of stroke and heart failure. These arrhythmias can sometimes present with subtle symptoms, making them harder to diagnose.
4. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – This condition involves the narrowing of arteries in the legs, which decreases blood flow and raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
5. Stroke – Women are more prone to strokes than men, especially ischemic strokes, which happen when a clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. High blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and other heart conditions are significant risk factors for stroke in women.

What are the Causes of Heart Disease?

Heart diseases in women can arise from a combination of traditional risk factors and those specific to women:

1. High Blood Pressure – It is a significant contributor to heart disease, particularly when left untreated. It is more likely to go undiagnosed in women, increasing the risk of heart failure, stroke, and CAD.
2. High Cholesterol – High LDL cholesterol levels result in plaque accumulation in the arteries, which is a key contributor to coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
3. Diabetes – Women with diabetes face a greater risk of heart disease compared to men with the same condition. This increased risk is partly because diabetes can lead to more significant heart damage in women.
4. Pregnancy Complications – Conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy-induced hypertension can heighten the risk of heart disease later in life.
5. Menopause – The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol and a decrease in HDL cholesterol, elevating the risk of heart disease.

What are the Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women?

The symptoms of heart disease in women can differ from those in men and are often more subtle.

1. Chest pain or discomfort
2. Shortness of breath
3. Nausea, vomiting, and indigestion
4. Pain in the neck, jaw, or back
5. Unusual fatigue

What are the Tests to Diagnose Heart Disease?

Diagnosing heart disease in women involves several tests that help determine the presence and severity of the condition:

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG) – This test monitors the heart’s electrical activity and can identify irregularities that may indicate heart disease.
2. Echocardiogram – This ultrasound test creates heart images, allowing doctors to assess the heart’s structure and function.
3. Coronary Angiography – This test requires injecting a contrast dye into the coronary arteries and using X-rays to detect any blockages or narrowing.
4. Blood Tests – Blood tests can measure cholesterol levels, markers of inflammation (like C-reactive protein), and other factors that may indicate heart disease.

How to Prevent Heart Disease?

Preventing heart disease requires a proactive approach involving lifestyle changes and regular medical care.

1. Healthy Diet – Consuming a diet high in lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats supports heart health. It’s also important to limit sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
2. Exercise Regularly – Do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week to help lower blood pressure, manage weight, and reduce cholesterol levels.
3. Stress Management – Stress can increase the risk of heart disease. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and regular physical activity can help manage stress levels.

Additionally, regular check-ups are important for monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, allowing for early intervention if necessary. If anyone is experiencing the above-mentioned heart disease symptoms, they must consult their doctor and schedule heart tests at Dr Lal PathLabs today.

FAQs

What are the early symptoms of heart disease in women?

Early signs of heart disease in women include unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and pain in the neck, jaw, or back.

What are the symptoms of heart failure in women?

Heart failure symptoms in women often include swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, fatigue, and shortness of breath. They may also experience nausea, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping due to breathing problems.