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What Every Woman Should Know About Her
Heart
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The Same but Different
Heart disease is the
most common serious health issue among both men and women in the U.S., but it
doesn't affect them the same way. Some heart conditions are more likely to
happen in women, and symptoms of others can be different for the two genders.
It’s important to know what to watch for and how to protect yourself as you get
older.
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Warning Signs
In the movies, everyone
has chest pain during a heart attack. In real life, women may have less obvious
symptoms and are as likely to have shortness of breath as chest pain. You
also might feel pain in your jaw, back, or upper belly. And women also may feel
nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy.
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SCAD
Spontaneous coronary
artery dissection (SCAD) is when one of your heart’s blood vessels tears. That
can slow down or block your blood flow and lead to intense chest pain and other
symptoms that can feel like a heart attack. This is a serious condition that
needs to be treated quickly. Women are more likely than men to have SCAD,
especially if they’ve given birth recently.
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‘Broken Heart’ Syndrome
The medical term for
this is stress-induced cardiomyopathy, and it's more likely to happen to women
than men. It’s caused by a sudden release of stress hormones, and it happens
after very emotional events like divorce or a death in your family. A part of your
heart gets bigger and can’t pump blood as well. That can cause intense chest
pain, but quick treatment can lead to a full recovery.
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Menopause
While they don’t cause
heart disease, the natural changes that happen to your body during menopause
can make you more likely to have it. As your levels of estrogen go down, your
arteries can get stiffer. And your blood pressure, belly fat, and LDL (or “bad”
cholesterol) can go up after menopause, too. Stay active to help keep your
heart healthy after “the change.”
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Inflammation
If you have a condition
that causes this, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, your chances of heart
disease are higher. That’s true even if you’re young, exercise, and don’t
smoke. Keep your inflammation in check with medications -- but try to stay away
from steroids, which can raise your odds of heart disease. Talk with your
doctor about the best way to protect your heart.
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Depression
This mental health
condition can double your chances of heart disease, and women are twice as
likely to have it as men. It can make you less likely to stay active and take
care of your health, and ongoing stress and anxiety can put a strain on your
heart. Talk with your doctor or a therapist if you think you might need help
for depression.
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Diabetes
This condition also can
double a woman’s chances of heart disease. One reason is that high blood sugar
slows down the flow of oxygen in your blood and can lead to plaque buildup in
your arteries. Another is that women with diabetes may be more likely to be
obese and have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. You can manage your
weight and blood sugar levels with diet and exercise.
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Thin Women Can Get Heart Disease
Women who are
overweight, especially if they have belly fat, have a higher chance of getting
heart disease. But being slender doesn’t mean you can’t get it. Women who are
slim can still have high cholesterol or high blood pressure and smoke -- three
things that raise your odds of the condition.
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Prevention: Check Your Family Tree
If your mom or sister
had heart disease before age 65, or if your mom had a stroke at any age, you
can be more likely to have heart disease. That doesn’t mean you’ll have a heart
attack or stroke, but make sure your doctor knows your family history. She can
help you take the right steps to lower your chances.
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Prevention: Quit Smoking
Women who smoke are 25%
more likely to have heart attacks than men who do. It damages blood vessels,
raises your blood pressure, and can lead to blood clots. Your chances are even
higher if you take birth control pills and smoke, especially after 35.
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Prevention: Watch Your Cholesterol
This soft, fatty stuff
can build up in your arteries and lead to plaque that hardens over time and
clogs your arteries. A quick blood test can tell you and your doctor your
numbers. To lower your “bad cholesterol” (LDL), focus on simple changes. Keep
an eye on the amount of fat and sugar in your diet, get more exercise, and
watch those cocktails.
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Prevention: Stay a Healthy Weight
Eat more fresh, whole
foods, especially ones that are low in calories, sodium, and trans fats. Check
out heart-healthy cooking classes or online videos. And find fun activities
that get you off the couch: Walk with your friends, take a Zumba class, or go salsa
dancing.
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Prevention: Fitness Matters More After 40
Even if you’ve never
been a workout queen, take steps to boost your fitness as you hit 40. Women in
middle age can cut their chances of some heart conditions with regular
exercise. Small changes to your routine can make a big difference.
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Pregnancy Heart Protection
When you’re pregnant,
your heart pumps more blood. This can put stress on your heart and arteries.
Labor and delivery add to the strain. Women who have heart rhythm or valve
issues should watch for shortness of breath, a fast heart rate, or signs of
serious infections while they’re pregnant. If you have high blood pressure or
get it during pregnancy, it could lead to a serious disorder called
preeclampsia that can cause health problems for both mother and baby.
Sources | Reviewed
by Suzanne R. Steinbaum, MD on December 14, 2017
This tool does not provide medical advice.
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