Heart Diseases In Women: What You Need To Know

With a growing concern for women’s health in the world came out a few really shocking facts. The most shocking, however, was the fact that heart diseases account for more than a third of the deaths in women in the world. This makes heart disease the most common cause of death in women and raises many eyebrows about modern women’s lifestyles.

The most problematic issue with heart disease in women is that while the symptoms for men are often definite, the female population often doesn’t know how to detect a cardiac problem. So in this article, we have covered everything that you need to know regarding problems like heart disease in women and other diseases and how to prevent heart disease in women.

Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women

While the definite heart disease symptoms in women or related conditions are chest pain, it is truer for men. In women, chest pain is not as severe and is often not the most noticeable trait of heart disease. It is often seen that chest pain related to heart disease in women is described as a pressure or tightness of the chest region because it is completely possible to have a heart attack without chest pain.

In fact, women are more likely to have other symptoms of a heart attack than just chest pain. These symptoms include

The worst part is that these heart disease symptoms in women are often unclear as compared to their severity in men. Also, women are more susceptible to these symptoms while resting or while asleep than men.

As a result, women often show up at the hospitals with complaints of the heart well after the stroke or disease has damaged the heart. The other side of the vagueness or mildness of these heart problem symptoms in females is that they are often less diagnosed with heart conditions than men.

Risk Factors for Heart Diseases in Women

• Diabetes: Women with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than those without the condition.
• Stress and depression: Chronic stress and depression can lead to an increase in the hormone cortisol level, which can cause inflammation in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Smoking: Women who smoke are two to six times more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, all of which can contribute to the development of heart disease.
• Menopause: Menopause is a natural process that occurs in women as they age, but it can also increase the risk of heart disease.
• Complications of Pregnancy: Women who experience conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or premature birth are at higher risk of developing heart disease later in life.
• Family and medical history of heart disease: Family history of heart disease and personal medical history are also significant risk factors for heart disease in women.
• Inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus: Certain inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can also increase the risk of heart disease in women.
• Some dangerous factors contribute to the condition’s advancement in women. Males, along with females, share the majority of these attributes, but there are a couple that is distinct from women. These contain the following:
• Diabetes: One of the primary aspects of cardiovascular disease in females is diabetes. Women with diabetes are more likely to get heart problems than those without the condition. This is because diabetes mellitus can harm the blood vessels and increase the threat of atherosclerosis, a problem where the arteries become narrow and tight.
• Stress and anxiety and also clinical depression: Stress and anxiety are additionally substantial threat factors for cardiovascular disease in women. Chronic anxiety and depression can enhance the hormonal agent cortisol level, triggering swelling in the arteries and raising the danger of heart problems.
• Smoking cigarettes: Smoking is another risk element that can severely influence women’s heart health. Women who smoke are two to six times more likely to develop heart problems than non-smokers. Cigarette smoking harms the blood vessels, decreases the oxygen supply to the heart, as well as raises the danger of blood clots.
• Inactive Way of living: An inactive lifestyle is also linked to an enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease in women. Lack of physical activity can result in weight problems, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, all of which can add to the development of heart problems.
• Menopause: Menopause is a natural process that happens in ladies as they age, yet it can additionally enhance the risk of heart disease. After menopause, women are more likely to develop high blood pressure and high cholesterol degrees and put on weight, enhancing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Issues of Pregnancy: Complications of pregnancy can likewise be a risk aspect for heart disease in ladies. Ladies who experience preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, or premature birth are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease later in life.
• Family members and case history of heart disease: Family and individual medical history are substantial danger elements for a heart problem in women. You might be at risk of developing the problem if you have a family history of heart illness. You are likewise at higher risk if you have problems such as high blood stress or high cholesterol.
• Inflammatory diseases, consisting of rheumatoid arthritis and also lupus: Certain inflammatory illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and also lupus, can also enhance the threat of heart problems in ladies. These problems cause swelling throughout the body, damaging the capillary and enhancing the risk of heart disease.

How to Prevent Heart Disease in Women?

One must effectively bring a positive change in their lifestyle to avoid the possibility of getting a heart attack or any heart disease symptoms in women. There are several steps women can take to reduce their risk of developing heart disease or experiencing a heart attack. Here are some tips:

Quit cigarette smoking: If you smoke, quitting is among the very best things you can do for your heart health. Smoking damages the vessels and also increases the danger of a heart attack. So it is suggested to give up cigarette smoking today.

Workout on a regular basis: Regular physical activity can improve heart health by decreasing blood cholesterol and also pressure weight. Go for at least 150 mins of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. This will also help decrease any type of signs and symptoms of heart problems in women.

Preserve a healthy and balanced diet: A heart-healthy diet must include a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean, healthy protein, and healthy and balanced fats. Limit your intake of refined and high-fat foods, and try not to eat processed food and various other beverages.

Handle diabetic issues: If you have diabetes issues, work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar level via medication, exercise, as well as a diet plan. Diabetes can aggravate the threat factors for heart disease in females.

Control blood pressure and also cholesterol: High blood pressure and cholesterol can increase heart problem signs and symptoms in females. Talk with your healthcare provider to handle these conditions with medication as well as way of living adjustments. Maintain your heart health and wellness initially as opposed to anything else.

Handle anxiety: Chronic anxiety can cause inflammation in the body as well as boost the threat of cardiovascular disease in men and also women. Find healthy and balanced means to take care of stress, such as meditation, exercise, or yoga.

Preserve a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the threat element of heart disease. Contact your doctor to identify a healthy and balanced weight range and also create a plan to attain and also maintain it.

Limitation alcohol intake: Drinking excessive quantities of alcohol can raise the risk of high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, as well as stroke. Limit your alcohol intake to modest levels and live a heart-healthy life.

Get routine check-ups: Regular exams with your doctor can aid in recognizing and taking care of risk aspects for heart disease in women at the initial phase as well as begin treating them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, women must understand that heart disease significantly threatens their health and well-being. It is essential to prioritize heart health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking medical advice and treatment when necessary, and being proactive about prevention.

For more assistance, get in touch with Dr. K. K. Talwar, the best heart surgeon in Delhi NCR. With his team of expert cardiologists, Dr. K. K. Talwar has successfully handled more than 10,000 cases. You can book an appointment with Dr. K. K. Talwar at PSRI, the best hospital for heart surgery in Delhi. 

FAQs

Q. 1 What are the common symptoms of heart disease in women?

Usual signs and symptoms of heart disease in women consist of chest pain, lack of breath, exhaustion, nausea or vomiting, lightheadedness or vomiting, as well as discomfort or discomfort in the arms, back, stomach, jaw, or neck. Women may likewise experience less common signs and symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, or flu-like signs and symptoms.

Q. 2 What are some way-of-life modifications that can aid in stopping heart disease in women?

Keeping a healthy and balanced weight, consuming a balanced diet plan low in trans and saturated fats, being physically active, avoiding smoking cigarettes as well as excessive alcohol intake, handling anxiety, and obtaining sufficient sleep can all help in reducing the threat of cardiovascular disease in ladies.

Q. 3 Can hormone changes during menopause boost the danger of heart disease in ladies?

Yes, hormonal adjustments throughout menopause can enhance blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease in females. Ladies need to speak with their doctor concerning handling their danger factors throughout and after menopause.

Q. 4 Can pregnancy-related complications raise females’ risk of cardiovascular disease later in life?

Yes, pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetic issues, preeclampsia, and preterm birth have been linked to a boosted risk of heart problems later in life. Females who experience these difficulties must be checked near for cardiovascular threat factors and also may require to make the way of life changes or obtain medical treatment to manage their threat.

Q. 5 Are there any specific tests or screenings that women should undergo to assess their risk of heart disease?

Women must consistently examine their blood cholesterol, blood, and pressure sugar degrees. Relying on their age, family history, and various other danger variables, ladies may additionally be required to undertake an electrocardiogram (ECG) or stress test to evaluate their heart health. Females need to speak to their doctor to establish the proper tests and also screening timetable for their requirements.