Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Although it is sometimes thought of as a "man's disease," around the same number of women and men die each year of heart disease.
Despite increases in awareness over the past decade, only 54% of women recognize heart disease is their number one killer. Almost two-thirds (64%) of women who die unexpectedly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms.
Symptoms
While some women have no symptoms, others experience angina (dull, heavy to sharp chest pain or discomfort), pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back. These may occur during rest, begin during physical activity, or be triggered by mental stress. Women are also more likely to describe chest pain that is sharp or burning.
Sometimes heart disease or cardiovascular disease may not be recognized until a woman experiences an event, such as a heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, or stroke.
Here are some common indicators of cardiovascular disease:
Heart Attack
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Upper back pain
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Nausea/vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
- Upper body discomfort
- Shortness of breath
Arrhythmia
- Fluttering feelings in the chest (palpitations)
Heart Failure
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen
Stroke
- Sudden weakness
- Weakness
- Paralysis (inability to move)
- Numbness of the face, arms, or legs especially on one side of the body
Other symptoms
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden and severe headache
Risk Factors
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half of Americans have at least one of these three (3) risk factors.
Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including:
- Diabetes
- Significant or morbid obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Physical inactivity/sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol use
- Depression
7 Ways to Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk:
- Know your blood pressure - Having uncontrolled blood pressure can result in heart disease. High blood pressure can be asymptomatic so it's important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
- Get checked for diabetes - Diabetes raises your risk of heart disease. So, it’s important to speak with your health care provider about whether you should be tested for diabetes.
- Quit smoking – Smoking is among the top risk factors for heart disease.
- Check your cholesterol and triglycerides - High cholesterol and triglycerides levels increase your risk for heart disease
- Make healthy food choices - Being overweight and obese raises your risk of heart disease
- Limit alcohol intake – One drink a day should be your max.
- Lower your stress level - Finding healthy ways to cope with stress can lower your risk of heart disease.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis. If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider, or seek immediate medical treatment.