As a mom, grandmother, sister, or aunt, you do so much for your family that sometimes taking care of your own health comes last. But prioritizing your health is important, wherever you are in life. According to the American Heart Association, the rate of heart disease among women is expected to grow in the coming years. Together, we can educate and inspire each other to help prevent cardiovascular disease and plan for a healthier future.
Facts about women and heart disease
In the United States, heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. In fact, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year. It affects our loved ones, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and yet too many women fail to recognize heart disease is a health threat.
Consider the facts:
- Women are more likely than men to have health conditions that increase the risk of heart disease.
- Health issues during pregnancy can increase your risk of developing heart disease later in life.
- African American women are more likely to have high blood pressure and undiagnosed diabetes, common risk factors for heart disease.
- The number of Hispanic women aware of the risk for heart disease continues to decline.
- Educating yourself about heart health and making lifestyle changes, such as moving more and eating a healthy diet, can help prevent heart disease.
Is there more than one type of heart disease?
Heart disease can take many different forms:
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is a condition that develops when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries, the vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances. As the arteries narrow, it’s harder for blood to flow. If a blood clot forms, it can stop the blood altogether and cause a heart attack or stroke.
Heart failure (or congestive heart failure) is a condition in which the heart still works but isn’t pumping blood as well as it should.
Arrhythmia (an abnormal heart rhythm) is a condition where the heart beats too fast, too slowly, or irregularly. This can affect how well the heart functions and whether or not the heart can pump enough blood throughout the body.
Heart valve problems can lead to the heart not opening enough for proper blood flow. Sometimes the heart valves don’t close and allow blood to leak. Other times the valves bulge, causing blood to flow backward. This, in turn, can cause a heart murmur.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack in women?
We tend to think of crushing chest pain as a sure sign of a heart attack, but the symptoms can be more subtle in women. During a heart attack, a woman may experience chest pain, but it’s not always severe and may not be the most prominent symptom. Some women may have a heart attack without any chest pain at all.
In women, the warning signs of a heart attack include:
- Pressure or tightness in the chest
- Discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in one or both arms
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
These symptoms can occur when a woman is resting or asleep. Stress can also trigger heart attacks in women.
If you experience any of these symptoms or think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
What are the risk factors for heart disease in women?
Men and women share many of the same risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. For women, however, other factors may play a larger role in the development of heart disease:
Diabetes. Women with diabetes are at greater risk of heart disease than are men with diabetes. Moreover, diabetic women are two times more likely to have a second heart attack than women without diabetes.
Smoking. Women who smoke have a 25% higher risk of developing heart disease than men who smoke.
Physical inactivity. A lack of exercise is a major risk factor for heart disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, some research has found women to be more inactive than men.
Menopause. Estrogen can help increase the flexibility and strengthen the interior walls of arteries. Low levels of estrogen after menopause pose a significant risk factor for developing heart disease.
Pregnancy complications. Pregnancy stresses the heart and circulatory system. Women with certain heart conditions, including heart rhythm issues, heart valve issues, and congestive heart failure, need to take special care during pregnancy.
What can women do to reduce the risk of heart disease?
Knowing your family history and making simple lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of heart disease:
- Quit smoking
- Get the recommended amount of exercise
- Lose weight if you’re overweight
- Eat more fruits and veggies
- Take steps to lower your blood pressure
- Ask your doctor if you should take a statin for high cholesterol
Discover 10 surprising things you can do to keep your heart healthy.
Exercise for a healthy heart
Exercise improves your heart health by lowering the risk for medical conditions, boosting your lean muscle mass, and supporting your mental wellbeing. Before you start a new exercise program, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor.
Getting regular exercise doesn’t mean you have to join a gym or take an aerobics class. Think of it as a game where the goal is to find creative ways to increase your physical activity throughout the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park as far as you can from the entrance to the grocery store. Put on some fun music and dance with your kids. Plant a garden. Do ten pushups during commercial breaks.
You don’t have to cram all of your physical activity into one session. Try breaking it up into several 10-minute sessions during the day. Every little bit adds up. And, you’ll still get the same heart-health benefits.
Additional sources
American Heart Association, Heart Disease and Stroke in Black Women
American Heart Association, Heart Disease in Hispanic Women