Characteristics of Heart Disease in Women: Recognize and Treat Early

Heart disease is a deadly disease that does not recognize gender. However, in fact, the symptoms and characteristics of heart disease in women are often different from those in men. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of complications.

This article discusses the characteristics of heart disease in women that you need to recognize and treat early.

Why are the Characteristics of Heart Pain in Women Different?

Hormonal differences between men and women affect the symptoms that appear during a heart attack. Women have higher levels of estrogen, which plays a role in protecting the heart. However, estrogen levels decrease after menopause, increasing a woman's risk of heart disease.

In addition, women tend to have smaller arteries than men. As a result, blockage of blood vessels due to atherosclerotic plaque buildup may not cause the typical chest pain symptoms as in men.

Characteristics of Heart Pain in Women

Here are some characteristics of heart pain in women that you need to be aware of:

50. Uncommon chest pain
50. Pain in the arms, back, jaw or abdomen
50. Extreme fatigue
50. Nausea and vomiting
50. Fainting or lightheadedness
50. Cold sweats
50. Sleep disturbance

Important! Not all of the symptoms above are certain to occur in a heart attack. If you experience some of these symptoms, especially chest pain or shortness of breath, see a doctor immediately for proper treatment.

Risk Factors for Heart Attack in Women

Apart from hormonal factors, several other factors can increase a woman's risk of heart disease, namely:

50. Family history of heart disease
50. Obesity
50. Smoking
50. Diabetes
50. Hypertension
50. High cholesterol
50. Stress
50. Depression

Prevention of Heart Disease in Women

You can take the following steps to prevent heart disease:

50. Adopt a healthy diet
50. Maintain ideal body weightRegular exercise
50. Manage stress
50. Do not smoke
50. Avoid excessive alcohol
50. Control blood pressure and cholesterol

By recognizing the characteristics of heart disease in women and understanding the associated risk factors, we can be more vigilant and proactive in maintaining our heart health. It is important to remember that any unusual symptoms, especially chest pain or shortness of breath, should be checked immediately by a doctor for proper treatment. Through preventive measures and attention to heart health, we can improve our quality of life and reduce the risk of serious heart disease.

References

National Center for Health Statistics. Multiple Cause of Death 2018-2021 on CDC WONDER Database. Accessed February 2, 2023.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Women and Heart Disease. Accessed November 10, 2022.