Preventing cardiovascular disease in women

Coronary heart illness is the main reason for demise in the US, and it impacts girls in a different way than males. Beneath, Kathy Glatter, MD, a heart specialist and electrophysiologist with Dignity Well being Woodland Clinic, shares the forms of coronary heart illnesses that generally have an effect on girls, the danger elements to be careful for, and the steps you’ll be able to take to decrease your danger.

Frequent coronary heart illnesses affecting girls

In line with the CDC, coronary artery illness, or CAD, is the commonest type of coronary heart illness impacting girls. CAD is brought on by plaque buildup, which happens when extra ldl cholesterol accumulates within the artery partitions which provide blood to the center. If left untreated, CAD can result in a coronary heart assault.

Coronary heart failure is one other critical situation that impacts girls greater than males and happens when the center can not pump sufficient blood and oxygen to assist the remainder of the physique. One other widespread illness of the center that may have an effect on girls is coronary heart arrhythmia, which occurs when the center beats too slowly, too rapidly, or in an irregular approach. One of the vital widespread types of arrhythmias is atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF), which is an irregular heartbeat. When left untreated, sufferers with AFib have a drastically elevated danger of a stroke.

Threat elements

Hypertension, generally referred to as hypertension, poses a big danger for coronary heart illness, notably amongst girls. It’s essential to acknowledge that ladies with hypertension are sometimes underdiagnosed and undertreated. This disparity is especially pronounced for Black girls. Untreated hypertension in girls contributes to stroke, coronary heart assault, kidney failure, congestive coronary heart failure, and probably dementia.

“A number of different medical circumstances and way of life habits can put girls at increased danger of coronary heart illness,” says Dr. Glatter. “These can embody excessive LDL ldl cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, overconsumption of alcohol, a sedentary way of life, and having extra weight.”

After menopause, girls are additionally at a better danger of growing heart problems as a result of a lower in estrogen, a hormone that helps defend the center. 

Coronary heart assault signs could be completely different in girls

“The most typical signal of a coronary heart assault in each women and men is chest ache or stress. Nevertheless for some girls, no chest ache is current however as an alternative they are going to expertise profound fatigue, nausea, flu-like signs, and/or shortness of breath,” says Dr. Glatter. “Ladies usually tend to reduce or ignore their signs, resulting in a later prognosis of coronary heart illness.”

Chest ache can really feel like a stress or ache and may unfold to the left shoulder and journey down the arm, elbow, wrist and/or hand. Dr. Glatter explains that the next signs could be extra refined and generally go unnoticed:

Ache within the jaw, neck or again
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Profuse sweating
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Lack of consciousness
Nervousness or a way of impending doom

In case you are experiencing signs of a coronary heart assault, particularly in the event that they last more than a couple of minutes, name 9-1-1 instantly.

Prevention 

Life-style modifications and wholesome habits play a key function in stopping coronary heart illness and cardiac occasions. It’s necessary to take care of a nutritious eating regimen excessive in fiber and low in saturated fat, trans fats, and ldl cholesterol, which trigger plaque buildup in arteries. You must also attempt to keep away from extra sodium and sugar in your eating regimen. In line with the CDC, limiting alcohol consumption may decrease the danger of growing coronary heart illness in girls, who ought to eat not more than 1 alcoholic drink per day. 

In line with Dr. Glatter, common bodily exercise and sustaining a wholesome weight are additionally beneficial for avoiding coronary heart illness and different cardiovascular dangers in girls. 

Key takeaways

As a result of coronary heart circumstances can develop with restricted or no signs, girls who’ve a number of of those danger elements ought to you should definitely focus on their danger with their physician. Searching for early medical consideration will help forestall coronary heart illness and decrease your danger of a cardiovascular occasion.

In case you are, or suppose it’s possible you’ll be in danger for growing coronary heart illness, schedule an appointment along with your main care doctor. Our “Discover a Physician” instrument will help you discover a Dignity Well being doctor close to you.