Heart disease is traditionally thought of a man's disease, but coronary heart disease is to No. 1 killer of women in America, according to the American Heart Association. Additionally, heart disease kills more women older than 65 than all types of cancer combined, according to Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of heart problems or heart disease in women are often very different than those for men, so it's important for women to recognize the signs and seek treatment at the first sign of trouble.
Heart Attack
Severe pain is the most common and obvious sign of a heart attack in men and women, but women do not always experience severe chest pain and also tend to experience other symptoms that men do not. These include unusual fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting and discomfort in the abdomen, upper back, shoulder and neck. Because symptoms in women are often very different than in men, women often put off seeking treatment, meaning more damage to the heart has been done by the time they arrive at a hospital.
High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Women with high blood pressure and high cholesterol are also at increased risk of developing heart disease or suffering a heart attack or stroke. It's important for women to have their blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly to ensure they are not high. Women who have high blood pressure or cholesterol should speak with their doctor about treating these conditions to lower their risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke or heart attack.
Risk Factors
There are many risk factors for heart disease, and being aware of them and taking necessary steps can help prevent women from developing heart disease. Some risk factors, such as genetic tendencies and age, cannot be helped, but many can. Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease, and women who smoke and take birth control pills are even more likely to get heart disease. Low estrogen levels that women experience after menopause can contribute to certain kinds of cardiovascular disease. Being inactive or overweight also increases a woman's likelihood of developing heart disease, as do medical conditions such as diabetes. Finally, a woman's heart is much more sensitive to the effects of stress and depression than a man's, and these can contribute to heart disease.
Silent Killer
Certain heart conditions that are signs of heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, often have no symptoms. In fact, high blood pressure is often called "the silent killer" because many people do not even know they have it. Additionally, medical professionals often respond more urgently to symptoms of heart attacks and other heart problems in men and may not immediately recognize the symptoms in women. For these reasons, it is important for women to be proactive about their heart health and seek medical treatment at the first sign of a problem.
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