Heart disease has long been known to be a leading cause of death among women worldwide. However, despite vast improvements in medical technology and knowledge, many women are still unaware of their risk factors or when to start screening.
This lack of awareness can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment, which can ultimately lead to more serious health consequences. As such, all women should be informed about the risk factors for heart disease and know when to start screening.
There’s a misconception that heart disease is a health problem that mostly affects men. However, the incidence in women is only slightly lower. The prevalence for men is 8.3%, while for women 6.1%. According to NIH.gov, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for 32% of deaths in men and 35% of deaths in women.
What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is an umbrella term for various conditions that impact the heart. Coronary artery disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is the most common type of heart disease. It occurs when the vessels that supply blood to the heart become clogged or narrowed with plaque, leading to chest pain, heart attack, and other warning signs.
Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances that can accumulate in the arteries over time. Under certain conditions, a plaque can become unstable and block an artery that delivers blood to the heart. This can damage the heart and even lead to death.
Scientists also believe that inflammation is a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. It works like this: Inflammation contributes to the growth of plaques and helps to loosen them and cause blood clots and blockages in vessels that supply blood to the heart.
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
Several factors increase the risk of heart disease, including:
- Age: As women age, their risk of heart disease increases.
- Family history: If a woman’s close relatives have had heart disease, her risk of developing the condition is higher.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease by damaging the blood vessels and raising blood pressure.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure strains the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
- High cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol in the blood can cause the build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
- Diabetes: Women with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart disease.
- Overweight and obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease.
- Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of heart disease.
The Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease May Be Different in Women
When it comes to heart disease, many people assume that the symptoms are the same for both men and women. However, that’s not always the case. The symptoms of heart disease for women can be quite different from those experienced by men and they may be more subtle.
The “classic” symptoms of cardiovascular disease are:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness or fainting
Yet many women don’t experience the classic signs and symptoms of heart disease. These include chest pain, arm or back pain, sweating, lightheadedness, an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swollen feet or ankles.
Relative to men, women are more likely to experience vague symptoms, such as a general sense of discomfort, heaviness, tightness, pressure, aching, burning, numbness, fullness, or squeezing in the chest, abdomen, or back, and indigestion. This makes diagnosing a heart attack or cardiovascular disease in women more challenging.
Another challenge in diagnosing heart attacks is that they tend to occur later in life for women, which can lead to the symptoms being mistaken for other age-related conditions, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Women are more likely to have their first cardiovascular event at an older age than men and typically have a higher mortality rate and worse prognosis due to delays in diagnosis.
When to Start Screening for Heart Disease
The American Heart Association recommends women begin regular heart health screenings starting at age 20 and continuing throughout their lives. Women with one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as family history or high blood pressure, may need to start screening earlier. This includes blood pressure, fasting lipoprotein profile (cholesterol), body weight, and glucose screenings. But not enough women are doing it.
There can be multiple reasons why many women do not get screened for heart disease, including:
- Lack of Awareness: Many women may not be aware of the risks of heart disease and may not understand the need for screening.
- Misconceptions: Some women may think that heart disease is a man’s disease and not relevant to them.
- Underestimating symptoms: Women may experience different symptoms of heart disease than men, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea, which may be mistaken for something else.
- Delayed attention to health: Women may prioritize the health of others, such as children and elderly family members, before their own.
- Limited access to healthcare: Financial or geographical barriers may prevent women from accessing preventive healthcare services.
How Women Can Lower Their Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
The good news is that there are several steps women can take to lower their risk of heart disease and maintain good heart health, including:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Not smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Managing stress
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Getting regular check-ups
Education and awareness are key in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease in women. By understanding the risk factors, recognizing symptoms, and beginning screening at appropriate times, women can take control of their heart health and potentially avoid serious complications.
As a woman, prioritize the health of your heart and blood vessels and work with your healthcare providers to develop a personalized plan for prevention and management. Taking these steps can ultimately lead to a better prognosis and a healthier, happier life.
References:
- US) M. Cardiovascular Disease. Nih.gov. Published 2015. Accessed February 4, 2023. .ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK83160/
- Woodward M. Cardiovascular Disease and the Female Disadvantage. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019;16(7):1165. doi:10.3390/ijerph16071165.
- Garcia M, Mulvagh SL, Bairey Merz CN, Buring JE, Manson JE. Cardiovascular Disease in Women. Circulation Research. 2016;118(8):1273-1293. doi:10.1161/circresaha.116.307547.
- RSNA A. Cardiac (Heart) Screening. Radiologyinfo.org. Published 2022. Accessed February 4, 2023. radiologyinfo.org/en/info/screening-cardiac
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