Heart Disease in Women: Understanding Risk Factors, Symptoms, & Prevention

Some people may believe that men are more vulnerable to heart disease. However, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. Some symptoms of heart disease can present in a less typical pattern in women, making many women unsure of what to watch for.

Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women

Similar to men, the most common sign of a heart attack in women is chest pain, a feeling of pressure as if a heavy object is on the chest, or discomfort that lasts for a long time or comes and goes. 

However, particularly in women, these symptoms are often not the most prominent or even the most severe. Women tend to experience atypical symptoms when having a heart attack. Additionally, chest discomfort in women does not always indicate a heart attack.

Here are heart attack symptoms unrelated to chest pain that may occur more frequently in women than in men. These symptoms include:

• Discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or upper abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in one or both arms
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• Dizziness or mild headache
• Unusual fatigue
• Indigestion or heartburn

Women may also experience vague heart attack symptoms due to heart disease affecting small blood vessels or microvascular coronary disease. In this condition, symptoms more often occur while the patient is resting or sleeping, and emotional stress can trigger symptoms. Women, particularly those before menopause, may be less frequently diagnosed with heart disease and are more likely to have non-obstructive coronary artery disease.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Women

Both men and women are equally susceptible to several classic risk factors for coronary heart disease, including obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. However, other factors can influence the development of coronary heart disease in women beyond those mentioned above.

Risk factors for heart disease in women include:

• Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease in women more than in men. It can also alter a woman's pain threshold, causing women with diabetes to experience silent heart attacks where they show no symptoms.
• Emotional stress and depression: Women’s hearts tend to be more sensitive to stress and despair than men’s. As a result, women experiencing depression may find it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle and adhere to treatment plans for various medical issues.
• Smoking: Women who smoke have a similar risk of developing heart disease as men.
• Menopause: After menopause, a decrease in estrogen levels will naturally increase the likelihood of developing disease in smaller blood vessels (microvascular).
• Pregnancy complications: High blood pressure or diabetes related to pregnancy can increase a mother's lifetime risk for both conditions. Women are also more vulnerable to heart disease if they experience complications from high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy.

Treatment for Heart Disease in Women

Treatment for heart disease is generally the same for men and women. Medications, angioplasty and stenting, or coronary bypass surgery are some of the treatment options available.

Although the treatment of heart disease in men and women is generally similar, there can be some differences in managing heart disease between the sexes:

• Compared to men, women are less likely to be prescribed statins and aspirin to prevent further heart attacks. However, studies reveal that the benefits for both groups are comparable.

• Women are less likely than men to undergo coronary bypass surgery, possibly due to smaller artery sizes and a higher percentage of experiencing small vessel disease or less obstructive disease.

• Cardiac rehabilitation can help individuals recover from heart disease and maintain better health. However, compared to men, women are less likely to receive referrals for cardiac rehabilitation.

Given the facts and data above, early detection, particularly in women, is crucial to prevent serious complications from heart disease symptoms. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, do not ignore them—consult your cardiologist immediately.

National Hospital provides leading medical services with a team of experienced specialists. Protect your heart health—contact us now for further consultation.