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Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women, according to the CDC. More than 60 million women in the US live with some form of heart disease – that’s 44% of the female population.1
Though it is so common, many women might be unaware of the unusual symptoms they could experience, which are much different from what men might have. Though heart disease is also prevalent among men, the symptoms men often experience are often the “classic” signs of heart problems, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. But women can experience many other symptoms, some of them quite subtle, which can often be chalked up to something else. In fact, a study in the American Journal of Cardiology found that nearly half of all women who suffered a heart attack didn’t feel any of the classic warning signs.2
During this American Heart Month, let’s review how heart disease presents in women and what you can do to protect yourself and those you love from heart problems.
3 Common Types of Heart Disease in Women
Though there are many types of heart disease, three tend to be the most common among women. These include:
· Coronary artery disease. This occurs when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and major organs. That buildup makes it tough for blood to flow through your body. The hormonal changes that women go through during menopause put them at higher risk of coronary artery disease than men.
· Heart failure. This occurs when your heart becomes too weak to pump blood effectively. The result is that your whole body struggles for enough energy and oxygen. Heart failure can be very mild and barely noticeable to severe enough that it prevents you from walking across a room.
· Arrhythmia. If your heart beats in an irregular way, you’re dealing with arrhythmia. This might mean your heart beats too slowly, too fast, skips beats, or has an irregular pattern. Because the cases of arrhythmia increase with age and women tend to live longer than men do, this condition affects more women than men.
If you are diagnosed with any of these conditions, or have any cardiac concerns, an emergency button alarm becomes an essential safety net. Heart disease can lead to serious problems in the blink of an eye. Medical alert technology at your fingertips can help you be prepared for that possibility. Simply pressing the button can get help rolling your way within moments, and the sooner you get help, the better your medical outcome could be.
Deciphering the Symptoms for Women
Because the symptoms of heart disease in women can often be mistaken for other things, a doctor might overlook testing for heart problems, especially if a woman appears to be otherwise healthy. The consequences of that can be deadly.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, some of the differences in symptoms can include:3
· A different type of pain. While many men feel the classic chest pain that radiates down the arm, women often feel what they describe as crushing, pressure, or tightness.
· Different locations of pain. The classic symptoms of heart problems include pain in the chest, and women might certainly experience that. But they can also experience pain in the throat or neck, the back, or even the abdomen.
· Strange symptoms. Women might experience symptoms that appear to be completely unrelated to a heart attack, including nausea and vomiting, sleep problems, feeling tired all the time, a significant lack of energy, and shortness of breath. These symptoms could easily be written off as something much less serious, which can lead to a deadly misdiagnosis.
· Stress is a trigger. Women who are dealing with a great deal of stress are more likely to suffer from angina. Angina is usually felt as a dull ache or discomfort in the chest.
· Symptoms can occur when at rest. For men, angina tends to get worse with physical activity. But for women, it isn’t unusual to feel symptoms when at rest, or when doing simple things, such as cooking or leisurely shopping.
For some, symptoms will be very mild and can be easily handled; for instance, there are medications for angina that will alleviate the pain and discomfort rather quickly. But if you have ongoing symptoms, how do you know when it’s bad enough to get emergency help?
These are some signs that you should press the button on a medical alert pendant or call 911:
· Symptoms that were stable but suddenly get much worse
· Shortness of breath that seems to come out of nowhere
· Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen
· Sudden fatigue with no apparent cause
· A fluttering feeling in your chest (these are heart palpitations)
· Indigestion and heartburn when you haven’t eaten anything to cause it
· Nausea and vomiting, dizziness, or weakness
· Chest pain or discomfort, pain or discomfort in the upper back, or pain in your neck and jaw
If you have a moment of wondering if you’re having a heart attack, that’s all the incentive you need to get help right away. Do not hesitate! Heart disease can lead to sudden cardiac events that could take your life, and waiting it out can have terrible consequences.
Risk Factors for Women
It’s important to remember that while risk factors do suggest you have an increased risk of heart disease, some women who have heart attacks have no risk factors beyond advancing age.
That being said, it’s still important to know the risk factors so you can eliminate as many of them as possible. Let’s start with the biggest risk factor of all: High blood pressure.
High blood pressure is defined as 130/80 mm Hg or higher. High blood pressure affects over 44% of women in the United States, but even with that eye-popping number, it’s often misdiagnosed. Less than a quarter of women with high blood pressure have the problem under control.
It’s incredibly important to keep up with regular doctor’s visits and have your blood pressure tested each time. You might also want to invest in a home blood pressure monitor that will allow you to take your own blood pressure whenever you please.
There are other risk factors you might be able to control, including:
· Smoking. There’s no doubt smoking is bad for every part of your body, including your heart. It is never too late to quit!
· Excess weight. Speak to your doctor about the safest way for you to drop the pounds.
· Unhealthy diet. A diet that is filled with saturated fats and carbohydrates can spell disaster for your heart. Talk to a nutritionist about the best diet to get you on track.
· Sedentary lifestyle. The more you move, the more you exercise your heart.
· Excessive alcohol consumption. A drink now and then is fine, but more than that can lead to long-term problems, including issues with circulation.
· Uncontrolled conditions. High cholesterol and diabetes tend to go hand-in-hand with high blood pressure. If underlying conditions aren’t treated, they can contribute to further heart problems.
· Anxiety and depression. These conditions take a toll on your heart and can even contribute to dropping important habits, such as taking medication on time, every time.
There are also some risk factors you can do nothing about, but need to be aware of anyway, to help you better gauge your odds of heart disease.
Age is a significant factor. The heart wears down over years of faithful service, plaque builds up in the arteries, and circulation changes with age. Be aware that the older you get, the more likely you are to develop some form of heart disease.
Women, in particular, might be at higher risk for heart disease later in life if they went through early menopause (before age 40), started menstruation early (before age 11), had polycystic ovary syndrome or gestational diabetes, or had high blood pressure during pregnancy. Those who had a preterm birth or delivered a baby of low or high birth weight are also at risk of heart problems later in life.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any of these issues that pertain to you.
Protecting Yourself from Heart Disease
When it comes to matters of the heart, protection starts with being proactive. Start doing these things right now and lower your odds of developing heart disease and other complications.
· Keep tabs on your blood pressure. Uncontrolled blood pressure can not only bring on heart disease, but it can also contribute to your risk of stroke, kidney failure, and even dementia. Check your blood pressure regularly and keep track of the numbers to share with your doctor.
· Get tested for diabetes, high cholesterol, and any other underlying conditions. The better you control those conditions, the better your odds are of avoiding heart disease.
· Make healthy choices concerning the foods you eat, the alcohol you consume, and any smoking or vaping habit you might have. Everything you put into your body makes a difference, so be sure those things are healthy for you.
· Manage your stress levels by looking for healthy outlets. If you are in an ongoing stressful situation, do what you can to remove yourself from that situation or find ways to make it easier to cope.
· Get some exercise! At least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week is recommended. You can get those minutes in through gym sessions or short “bursts” of activity that get your heart rate up and get you moving.
· Take medication on time, every time. If you have emerging heart disease, the medications your doctor prescribes can help keep the problem in check.
· Pay attention to the warning signs and talk to your doctor if you experience any of them. By pointing out problems early, your doctor can run the necessary tests and provide you with a diagnosis and potential treatment plan.
· Speak up! Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for women’s symptoms to be dismissed as something else. Never hesitate to advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office, and remember: Your intuition is a powerful thing. If you feel like something is wrong, the odds are, you’re right.
If you’re concerned about heart disease or any other health and safety issues, an in-home or mobile med alert system with GPS can bring strong peace of mind. If you have any inkling that you might be suffering a heart attack or other cardiac emergency, press the button immediately. Within moments a trained professional will be on the line, ready to assist you. They will assess the situation, talk with you, and get in touch with whoever you need – including emergency services. They will then wait on the line with you until that help arrives. It’s a wonderful safety net that can help you breathe easier about heart disease and its risks.
