Women and Heart Disease: Unique Risks and Warning Signs

Heart disease can be deadly for anyone. However, women face unique risks due to the differences in anatomy and hormones as compared to men. Knowing the warning signs and risks distinct to women can help protect you in a better manner.

Heart disease is one of the most common causes of death for both men and women. However, what makes heart disease worse in women is how it manifests as the symptoms may not be as obvious as in men. Being ignorant of the warning signs results in a delay in treatment and diagnosis, which increases the risk of complications. 

Contacting a specialist like the best cardiologists in Chennai at Apollo Hospital Chennai can help you understand the various factors and probabilities that influence women’s risk of heart disease. You will also be better prepared to recognise the symptoms of heart disease and prevent something serious from happening well in advance.  

In this blog, we will discuss the unique risk factors and warning signs as well as symptoms of heart disease in women. 

Why Does Heart Disease Affect Women Differently?

• Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones specifically after menopause can increase the risk of heart disease in women. Before menopause, the hormone estrogen provides women with some protection against heart disease as it keeps the arteries flexible and it also has beneficial effects on blood lipids. 
• Size and Structure of the Heart: Women’s heart and blood vessels are smaller and the muscular walls are thinner as compared to men. Moreover, women are more likely to suffer from coronary microvascular disease which attacks the smaller arteries of the heart. This makes it harder to identify the disease and causes delay in treatment. 

Warning Signs of Heart Disease in Women

Many of the symptoms of heart disease are the same in men and women. However, women can exhibit certain warning signs that are not as obvious or typical. 

• Heart palpitations
• Unexplained shortness of breath
• Pain in the upper back region
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Pain in your neck, jaw, or throat
• Unusual fatigue that interferes with normal daily activities
• Chest pain or discomfort that can be either sharp or dull, accompanied by heaviness or pressure in the chest area
• Excessive sweating even after light activity

Heart Disease and Unique Risks Women Face

Some of the unique risk factors faced by women when it comes to heart disease are given below. 

• Diabetes: Women who suffer from diabetes are at higher risk of developing heart disease as compared to men. 
• Specific Heart Conditions: Women are more prone to suffer from certain heart conditions like spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), takotsubo cardiomyopathy, microvascular dysfunction, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and coronary vasospasm.
• Menopause: Women with low estrogen levels are at high risk of developing heart disease. 
• Emotional Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Depression, anxiety, and stress have a deeper impact on women’s heart health.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Several autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can heighten the risk of developing heart disease in women.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Inactivity or a physically slow lifestyle can raise the risk of heart disease in women. 
• Pregnancy Complications: Certain medical conditions during pregnancy like gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure can elevate the risk of long-term heart disease in women.

Conclusion

Early detection of heart disease is vital for effective treatment. This can only be achieved by understanding the unique risks and warning signs of heart disease in women. Getting regular checkups from the best cardiologists in Chennai at Apollo Hospital Chennai, eating a healthy diet, exercising as well as staying aware of concerning symptoms can help safeguard you and your loved ones against heart disease.  Stay watchful, remain knowledgeable, and make your heart health a top priority.