Women’s Cardiovascular Health: Key Differences and Care Strategies

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Until very recently, cardiovascular issues were only known to be very common in men; cardiovascular disease was known as a “man’s issue.” But did you know that cardiovascular disease is also the most common cause of death in women? In fact, one in five women died last year from cardiovascular disease. So, why aren’t we talking more about cardiovascular disease in women? Here are some facts about heart disease, how it affects women, and how it differs from the ways it affects men.

Heart Disease in Women

As we now know, heart disease takes the lives of nearly 700,000 Americans per year. But how many of these Americans are women? The number may surprise you. Upwards of 300,000 women die each year from CVD, or cardiovascular disease. That’s a whopping 44% of all cases. Men are typically diagnosed 10-15 years earlier than their female counterparts, which accounts for the increased number of deaths in the male population. Some symptoms of cardiovascular disease may present differently in women than they do in men, which means some women may not know that they have cardiovascular disease.

The term cardiovascular disease encompasses several types of issues. The following conditions are considered to be types of CVD:

• Heart Failure – A condition characterized by an issue with the heart’s ability to pump blood.
• Arrhythmia – A problem concerning the electrical systems of the heart, characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm.
• Peripheral Artery Disease – A circulatory issue in which blood supply to the arms and legs is abnormal.
• Cerebrovascular Disease – This condition affects the blood vessels that travel to the brain.
• Congenital Heart Disease – An issue that presents at birth that alters the function of the heart.
• Valve Disorders – Any issue with the valves of the heart that prevents blood from flowing between the heart’s chambers.
• Aortic Disease – This is a problem with the blood vessels that pump blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Symptoms of Cardiovascular Issues in Women and How They Differ from Men

For some women, the symptoms of cardiovascular disease may be similar to the symptoms men experience: chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. For other women, cardiovascular disease may present as anxiety, arm pain, back pain, or even jaw pain. Here are some other symptoms that women may experience during a cardiovascular event.

• Fatigue
• Heart Palpitations
• Stomach Pain
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Swelling or Fluid Retention in Extremities
• Shortness of Breath
• Chest Pain

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Conditions in Women

As women become more educated about the dangers of cardiovascular conditions, they can learn to make the lifestyle changes necessary for prevention. Here are some risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women.

• High Blood Pressure
• Smoking
• Blood Count
• Hormonal Changes Including Menopause

Lifestyle Choices for Best Heart Health in Women

Knowing what lifestyle changes women can make to prevent cardiovascular disease is an important step in preventing these events. Here are some possible lifestyle changes that women can make to optimize their cardiovascular health.

• Daily Exercise
  Getting a few hours of exercise per week can change your potential outcome if you have cardiovascular issues.
• Quitting Smoking
  If you smoke, it’s time to quit. Any use of tobacco can damage the heart’s function.
• Managing Stress
  Stress can cause the arteries to constrict and potentially lead to cardiovascular issues.
• Eating a Healthy Diet
  A diet rich in healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and veggies can help lower your risk of cardiovascular issues.
• Drinking only in Moderation
  If you drink, try to limit it to one drink a day. This is what is recommended for women.
• Getting enough Rest
  Sleep is essential. The recommendation is 7-9 hours a night.
• Keeping Blood Pressure Under Control
  Watch your blood pressure, and if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, take medications as directed by your physician.

Conclusion

When women are educated about the risks, symptoms, and warning signs of cardiovascular disease, they can begin to make the lifestyle changes necessary to manage their health, live longer, and thrive.

Cardiovascular Specialists of New England

At Cardiovascular Specialists of New England, our cardiologists are leaders in their field. Our expertly trained specialists from top-ranked institutions utilize cutting-edge technology to treat our patients. We perform cardiac testing, vein and vascular intervention, heart valve procedures, cardiac rehabilitation, and more to make sure our patients are in the best possible cardiovascular health. Our medical team takes the time to assess each patient and create a personalized plan of care so our patients can enjoy life again. For more information, or if you have cardiology concerns, visit our website or contact us to make an appointment.