Heart Health in Women

Males and females have biologically distinct bodies - different organs, different hormones, different advantages, and different problems. For a long time, heart health issues were mainly a male concern, but as the medical field started exploring women’s heart health, they realized that we, too, suffer from acute and chronic illnesses of the heart.

Myth: Heart Disease is Really a Man’s Problem

According to the CDC, cardiovascular heart disease (aka “CVD”) is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the US, where one person dies from it every 34 seconds. For women from the Pacific Islands and Asian American, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Hispanic women, heart disease is second only to cancer.

Over 40% of females over 20 are living with cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer of new moms, accounting for over one-third of maternal deaths, where black women have some of the highest maternal mortality rates.

What Contributes to Heart Disease?

CVD is the umbrella term for many different heart diseases, as it’s just identifying the location of the problem (heart and vascular system). Coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure are the typical offenders of females. CAD is caused by buildup of plaques in the arteries - usually in the smaller ones in the case of women. Congestive heart failure (CHF) can happen by repeated CAD, previous heart attacks, chronic high blood pressure, or several other factors.

There are many health conditions and lifestyle choices that put people at higher risk for heart disease, including:

• High blood pressure (including preeclampsia during pregnancy)

• High blood cholesterol

• Smoking (vaping included)

• Diabetes (including gestational)

• Obesity/overweight

• Unhealthy diet

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Excessive alcohol use

• Age (more of an accumulative factor)

• Early menopause (before 45)

• Endometriosis diagnosis before 40

• Family history of heart problems

Signs & Symptoms to Watch Out For

• Excessive abdominal fat - a key indicator of increased risk of CVD and cancer development

• Depression - has been linked to an increased risk of CVD

• Sleep problems - snoring, insomnia, and sleep apnea are all issues that can be indicative of CVD or worsen it

• Chest pain/discomfort - a classic symptom of a heart attack but can happen well before then

• Jaw pain - more typical in women experiencing heart blockages

• Decreased exercise tolerance - when you can’t do as much as you normally do, you should note it

• Recurring indigestion - women often experience frequent heartburn/indigestion with heart issues

• Shortness of breath - significantly more likely to suffer cardiac death

• Unusual fatigue or lower energy levels - if your heart can’t pump blood to your whole body, you may feel the effect of lower energy levels

• Dizziness or lightheadedness - reduced blood flow to the brain means less oxygen, which results in the feeling of dizziness

• Swelling in the feet, ankles, and/or legs - typically seen in heart failure, because the weakened heart means blood is not pumped efficiently, backing up in the veins and forcing fluids (especially sodium and water) into the surrounding tissues

• Palpitations - when you can feel your heartbeat more clearly without exertion, there’s potentially a problem - your heart is working harder than it needs to

What You Can Do

• Exercise regularly - just walking is good for your heart, but all cardio exercises can strengthen your cardiovascular system. Check with your doctor for suggestions and exercise program approval.

• Eat healthy - limit cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fat intake, increase fiber and natural vitamins and minerals. This looks like cutting down on highly processed foods, sticking to poultry and seafood, and ingesting lots of colorful fruits and veggies.

• Stop smoking - don’t smoke, period. “Inhaling hot air is never good for your lungs, no matter if it is coming from a cigarette, a vape pen or any other method,” says Memorial Hermann. Your body can reverse the damage of smoking over time, once you have stopped - so start stopping ASAP.

• Drink less alcohol - this is a touchy subject for many and most fall behind the “but red wine is good for your heart” defense. This isn’t completely true. Exercising moderation in alcoholic intake is key, if you choose to drink, but it’s best if you give it up completely, ESPECIALLY if you already have heart problems.

• Lose weight - burning off excess fat relieves stress in the cardiovascular system, helping your heart to pump more easily.

• Reduce stress - get 7-9 hours per night of high-quality sleep, talk to a therapist, pick up a hobby you enjoy, get regular exercise, journal your thoughts. All of these can reduce your stress.

• Get regular checkups - see your doctors regularly for routine examinations/labwork, as well as at any time things feel like they’re off for more than a week. It’s better to be proactive and manage potential problems early than waiting until it’s a full-blown ordeal.

Sources

“10 Myths about Heart Disease,” Harvard Health Publishing
“Heart Disease Facts,” US CDC
“Top 10 Myths About Cardiovascular Disease,” American Heart Association
“The Facts about Women and Heart Disease,” AHA’s Go Red for Women
“Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk,” AHA’s Go Red for Women
“Heart-Healthy Rules: Facts vs. Myths,” Memorial Hermann
“Coronary Artery Disease,” US CDC
“What Women Need to Know about Heart Disease,” VCU Health
“Shortness of Breath Without Chest Pain Can Signify the Presence of High Risk Heart Disease,” Cedars-Sinai
“Fluid Retention and Heart Health: What’s the Connection?,” Bayhealth
“Congestive Heart Failure,” Cleveland Clinic