The leading cause of death among women in the United States is heart
disease. It accounts for a staggering 20 percent of female deaths,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Coronary artery disease, also commonly known as coronary heart disease or
atherosclerosis, is the most common type of heart disease. Although it
primarily affects women later in life, younger women can have the condition
as well. More than 6 percent of women over the age of 19 are afflicted with
coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack or heart failure.
Women are at higher risk than men for certain heart conditions. These
include cardiac syndrome X, angina (chest pain) and broken heart syndrome
(stress-induced cardiomyopathy). Women can be affected by several other
heart conditions, as well. Heart failure, heart valve disease, arrhythmia
(irregular heartbeat) and atrial fibrillation (AFib) are among other common
heart conditions women experience.
Prevention
Several risk factors for heart disease cannot be modified. Family history,
race, gender, menopause and age all play a role in heart disease. But many
risk factors can be changed, according to Cleveland Clinic. To reduce your
risk for disease:
- quit smoking
- lower your total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides
- increase your HDL (good) cholesterol
- reduce your blood pressure if it is high
- keep diabetes under control
- maintain a healthy body weight
- eat heart-healthy foods
- exercise regularly
- reduce your stress
Also, an alcoholic beverage a day may offer some benefit to your heart by
increasing your HDL cholesterol. But medical experts caution against more
than one drink per day. Studies have found high alcohol consumption can
damage the heart. Although some studies suggest alcohol may be beneficial
in moderation, others have shown the opposite. Cleveland Clinic recommends
if you don’t already drink alcohol, don’t begin.
Heart attack signs
Women can experience all the same symptoms as men. Often, though, women
experience heart attacks differently. Most notably, women don’t always
experience crushing chest pain. Instead, they may feel tightness or
pressure in their chest. As a result, symptoms can go unnoticed or are
easily dismissed. If the pain or discomfort goes away and then comes back
or lasts for more than a few minutes, it could be a symptom.
Other symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Pain, discomfort, weakness or heaviness in either arm
- Discomfort in the neck, jaw, upper back, shoulders or stomach
- Indigestion, nausea or vomiting
- Cold sweats
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
What to do if you’re having a heart attack
Call 911 immediately and have them dispatch emergency medical services
(EMS). This is usually faster than having someone drive you to the
hospital.
Also, if you’re in a public place, such as work or a store, a defibrillator
may be available. Ask whomever you see first to check. Defibrillators come
with easy instructions and could save your life.
Finally, take an aspirin, says Anthony Komaroff, MD, Editor-in-Chief of
“Harvard Health Letter.” He recommends a standard dose of 325 mg that isn’t
coated. “Chew it, and then swallow it with a glass of water,” says
Komaroff,” to quickly get it into your system. This can slow blood clotting
and limit damage to your heart.”
