Taking Women’s Health to Heart
What Does Someone with Heart Disease Look Like?
Picture someone with heart disease. Did you think of a stressed-out CEO or an older smoker? Chances are, the person you envisioned was a man. This common stereotype obscures a startling truth: more women die of heart disease than men worldwide. It is the leading cause of death among women globally.
Yet, until recently, cardiovascular research primarily focused on men. Historical studies excluded women or failed to account for their unique biology. The good news? Researchers are now addressing these gaps and prioritizing women’s heart health.
Understanding the Gender Gap in Heart Health
Women’s Bodies, Unique Challenges
Women’s hearts and arteries are typically smaller than men’s. This difference makes women more prone to certain issues, like diffuse plaque, where plaque builds up evenly along arterial walls rather than forming distinct blockages. While this sounds less severe, it’s harder to detect with standard diagnostic tools, such as angiograms.
This diagnostic blind spot delays detection and treatment, leading to worse outcomes. Women are also more likely than men to have a second heart attack after their first.
Different Symptoms, Dismissed Diagnoses
While chest pain is a common symptom of heart attacks in both men and women, women frequently experience subtler or atypical symptoms, including:
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Upper back or jaw pain
- Stomach discomfort
These symptoms are often misattributed to anxiety, indigestion, or stress. Research shows that women presenting with stress-related symptoms are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, delaying life-saving treatment.
Missed Opportunities: Risk Factor Screening
Women are less likely to be screened for heart disease risk factors such as depression, even though depression is twice as common in women with heart disease compared to men. This oversight is critical, as depression significantly increases the risk of fatal cardiac events.
Heart Diseases Women Face More Often
Some heart conditions are more prevalent or unique to women, underscoring the need for tailored care:
- Spontaneous Coronary Artery
- Dissection (SCAD):
A rare but serious condition involving a tear in a coronary artery wall, SCAD accounts for 25% of heart attacks in women under 60. About 90% of SCAD patients are women. - Broken Heart Syndrome (Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy):
Triggered by extreme stress, this condition mimics a heart attack but doesn’t involve blocked arteries. Postmenopausal women are most at risk.
Women-Specific Risk Factors
Women also face unique risk factors for heart disease, including:
- Pregnancy Complications:
Conditions like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia significantly increase lifetime cardiovascular risk. These should be considered early warning signs for future heart disease. - Hormonal Changes:
The protective effects of estrogen decline after menopause, leading to increased cholesterol levels, arterial stiffness, and heightened cardiovascular risk. - Chronic Inflammation:
Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which are more common in women, can increase heart disease risk through chronic inflammation. - Breast Cancer Treatment:
Radiation and certain chemotherapy drugs can damage heart tissues, increasing the risk of heart failure.
How Women Can Reduce Their Risk
While some risk factors like genetics or hormonal changes aren’t preventable, there are effective strategies to lower your heart disease risk:
Prioritize Lifestyle Changes
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
- Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Include anti-inflammatory options like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish while limiting processed and sugary foods.
- Manage Stress: Practices like yoga, mindfulness, and deep breathing can counteract the harmful effects of chronic stress.
Focus on Key Nutrients
Certain nutrients play a pivotal role in heart health:
- Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, EFAs reduce inflammation and balance hormones.
- Magnesium: Supports healthy blood pressure and regulates heart rhythm. Sources include spinach, almonds, and dark chocolate.
- Selenium: This antioxidant protects arteries from damage. Brazil nuts are an excellent natural source.
Know Your Numbers
Get regular check-ups to monitor:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels, including Apolipoprotein B and Insulin-Resistance Score
- Blood sugar
- Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein
Advocate for Your Heart Health
Women often put others’ needs ahead of their own, but your health matters. If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek thorough testing. Advocate for a personalized approach that accounts for your unique risk factors and physiology.
The future of cardiology is becoming more inclusive, with gender-specific research and diagnostic tools gaining traction. It’s time to take charge of your heart health.
