May is Women’s Health Month, so it’s a great time to talk about the ways that women’s health differs from men’s, including heart problems in women. For example, that women don’t always experience the “classic” signs of a heart attack? Or that heart disease is the number one cause of death among women in the United States? Here’s what else you need to know about women and heart health.
Most common heart conditions in women
There are three main types of heart problems that women are likely to experience:
- Arrhythmia. This includes atrial fibrillation and similar conditions in which the heart beats irregularly, too slowly, or too quickly.
- Coronary artery disease. Both the most common and the biggest killer among women, this condition occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries. If it breaks off, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. Due to hormonal changes, post-menopausal women are at higher risk.
- Heart failure. This means that your heart has grown too weak to pump enough blood. It’s serious but can often be treated, especially in the earlier stages.
Women’s risk factors
Several factors can raise your risk for heart conditions. Some are controllable, while others are not.
- Chronic stress
- Diabetes, including gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Early first period (before age 11) or menopause (before age 40)
- Excess weight
- High blood pressure, including pregnancy-related hypertension
- High LDL cholesterol
- Lack of exercise
- Overindulgence in alcohol
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Poor diet
- Preterm delivery, or giving birth to a very low-weight or high-weight baby
- Smoking
Symptoms of heart disease
Some women have no symptoms at all. But you may experience some or all of the following:
- Angina, or a dull ache in the chest
- Excessive fatigue
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat
- Upper abdominal or back pain
Heart attack symptoms in women
The classic sign of a heart attack is an immense crushing pain in the chest. But even men don’t always experience this, and many women do not. Instead, you might experience symptoms similar to those of heart disease, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Back or jaw pain
- Cold sweats
- Lightheadedness
- Pressure or discomfort in the chest or upper back that lasts for more than a few minutes or comes and goes
Because the signs of a heart attack can be subtle, it’s important to be in tune with your body. If something doesn’t feel right, and it doesn’t subside within a few minutes, call 911. It’s always better to err on the side of caution since every minute matters when dealing with a heart attack.
Lowering risk of heart disease for women
Like most chronic health conditions, heart disease is heavily linked to lifestyle choices. While you can’t eliminate all risks, you can lower your chances of heart disease by improving your overall health.
- Stop smoking
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol
- Get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week
- Eat a healthy diet and limit alcohol to one drink per day
- Learn to manage stress
- Consider being tested for diabetes
Heart disease is the leading killer of women in the United States, but it may go undiagnosed for years. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors, and work to improve your overall health. Know the symptoms of a heart attack, and don’t hesitate to call 911 if needed.