By Susan Taplinger
For decades, heart disease was considered a man’s concern—not something for women to worry about. This misunderstanding meant that women’s symptoms were sometimes overlooked, ignored, or undiagnosed. Today, we are gaining a better understanding that heart disease is a serious consideration for both genders.
Now that it’s American Heart Month, let’s take the opportunity to learn how heart disease affects women specifically – and unique factors to be mindful of in protecting women’s heart health.
| Dynarex offers a full range of monitoring supplies including Digital Blood Pressure Monitors and Pulse Oximeters to help patients keep track of their heart health. |
Fundamental Differences
What makes heart disease different for women? To begin with, women’s bodies are equipped differently than men in ways that can affect their vulnerability to heart disease, including:
| Women’s blood vessels and heart chambers are smaller than men’s — and the walls of their ventricles are thinner. Women produce fewer red blood cells, which means they can’t carry as much oxygen to the heart at any given time. Estrogen, a dominant hormone in women, decreases after menopause — making them more susceptible to heart disease. |
Because of these and other biological differences, women may experience symptoms that differ from those of men, and their heart disease may manifest in specific ways.
Are My Symptoms Real?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), both women and men experience the most common heart attack symptoms — chest pain, jaw or shoulder pain, shortness of breath, etc. However, women are more likely to experience less common or atypical symptoms that should also be taken seriously, such as:
| Heartburn or indigestion.Sweating.Nausea or vomiting.Dizziness.Unusual fatigue. |
Regardless of your gender — never ignore your symptoms. Call for emergency medical help immediately if you have symptoms of a heart attack or think you’re having one.
Know Your Risk Factors
Some of the most well-recognized risk factors for heart disease — such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity — are common to both women and men. But there are many other conditions that may play an important role in women’s heart heath and contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, such as:
| Diabetes. According to the CDC, diabetes increases the risk of heart disease by about four times in women but only about two times in men. Smoking. Women smokers are 25% more likely to develop heart disease than male smokers. Mental Health Concerns. Women’s hearts are more affected by mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression than men’s hearts. These conditions may lead to higher blood pressure and elevated heart rate. |
Knowledge Is Power
This month, let’s pay close attention to our hearts. The more we understand, the better choices we can make about our health. A greater understanding of the nuances of heart disease empowers us all to make informed choices that may save our lives.