Heart Diseases in Women
Heart diseases affect men and women dissimilarly and risk of the disease is high in both the cases. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide.
Heart attacks in women, which accounts for one–third of all female deaths globally, have worse outcomes and higher mortality than in men.
Reducing risk factors and focusing on prevention is crucial to decreasing the adverse impact of heart disease in women.
SYMPTOMS OF HEART ATTACK IN WOMEN:
While chest pain, pressure, or discomfort is the most common symptom of heart attack in men and women, women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms, which include:
- Fatigue
- Neck, jaw, arm, upper abdomen, and back pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Heartburn
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Unusual sweating
In comparison to men, women tend to have symptoms of heart attack more often when resting, or even when asleep. Mental stress can also play a role in triggering heart attack symptoms in women. As women don’t always recognize their symptoms as those of a heart attack, they end up landing in emergency rooms after significant heart damage has already occurred.
RISK FACTORS OF HEART DISEASE IN WOMEN:
Although several traditional risk factors of coronary artery disease such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity affect both women and men, there are several other factors that may play role in the development of heart disease in women-
- Diabetes
- Mental stress & depression
- Smoking
- Menopause
- Pregnancy complications
- Inflammatory disease
- Family history of early heart disease/heart attack
It must be noted, women of all ages should take heart disease seriously. Especially women under the age of 65 and those with a family history of heart disease also need to pay close attention to risk factors of heart disease.
WHAT CAN WOMEN DO TO REDUCE THEIR RISK OF HEART DISEASES?
Making lifestyle changes is the most effective way to prevent a heart attack. The risk of heart disease increases for everyone as we age. Especially for women, the risk goes up after menopause, but younger women can also develop heart disease.
Even few small changes can help one from avoiding fatal damage. Here are few heart healthy strategies to reduce the risks of heart diseases in women:
- Quit Smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Manage your stress
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Keep a check on blood, pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- Manage other health conditions
If you have symptoms of heart attack or think you are having one, do not hesitate to call for help. Call for emergency medical help (Dial 18003450011 for free ambulance to GNRC) immediately.
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