Healthy Hearts Blog
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) well over 60, million women
in the United States have heart disease. It may be in the form of coronary heart disease, heart
failure or an irregular heart rhythm (arrythmia). Heart disease is the leading cause of death for
women in the United States and can affect women at any age. Although it is the leading cause
of death, only about half of US women know that heart disease is their number one killer.
Heart Disease may affect women differently. Women may have certain health conditions that
increase their risk for heart disease.
anemia
conditions that occur during pregnancy such as preeclampsia or eclampsia
high blood pressure (Black women are nearly 60% more likely to have high blood pressure than
White women)
autoimmune diseases
lack of physical activity
overweight or obesity
stress, anxiety, depression
metabolic syndrome- (a condition that my cause insulin resistance and diabetes)
Tobacco use (smoking)
Hormone changes may affect a woman’s risk for coronary heart disease. The hormone
estrogen may keep blood vessels flexible, however during perimenopause and after
menopause, a loss of estrogen occurs and the heart vessels become stiff.
The size and structure of the heart is different for women and men. A woman’s heart
and blood vessels are smaller, and the muscular walls of women’s hearts are thinner.
Plaque buildup may affect the smaller vessels in women which increases a women’s risk.
These smaller vessels are not as readily identifiable as a cause of heart disease and may
be missed during evaluation causing a delay in treatment.
Signs and symptoms
In addition to chest discomfort, pain in the neck, jaw, throat, back and upper abdomen
women may experience nausea, vomiting and significant fatigue. These symptoms can
occur at rest or with activity.
Other atypical symptoms may include dizziness, shortness of breath, fluttering in the chest,
swelling of the legs, ankle, or feet. If you experience these symptoms don’t delay seeking
help and call 9-1-1.
Reduce risk!
Control your blood pressure. Aim for a blood pressure of less than 120/80.
Get checked for diabetes.
Quit smoking.
Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
Eat a whole food plant-based diet.
Limit how much alcohol you drink to one drink a day. If you're pregnant, don't drink any alcohol.
There is no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy.
Manage stress levels by finding healthy ways to cope with stress.
Resources:
women%20at%20any%20age. About Women and Heart Disease
National heart, lung, and blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-
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