By: Dr Arun Kumar Ullegaddi, Consultant, Cardiology Adult, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru
It is a common misconception that heart disease primarily affects men. In reality, however, it stands as the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Still, a lot of women don’t realise they’re at risk until their symptoms worsen, which can result in lost chances for early detection and treatment.
Unique Heart Health Challenges for Women
Women face distinct challenges when it comes to cardiovascular disease (CVD), due to one of reasons including lifestyle, biological, and hormonal. Unlike men, women may experience different symptoms during a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, jaw or neck discomfort, and unexplained anxiety or sweating. Eventually, these atypical symptoms often lead to misdiagnosis or delayed care.
Additionally, women are more prone to microvascular disease, which affects the small arteries of the heart and is harder to detect and treat. Hormonal changes, especially during menopause when oestrogen levels drop, increase the risk of atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and blood clots.
Key Risk Factors for Women’s Heart Disease
Several risk factors contribute to heart disease in women, some of which are unique or more impactful compared to men:
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol: These are major contributors to heart disease risk in both sexes but may affect women differently, especially after age 60.
- Diabetes: Women with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than men with diabetes.
- Hormonal changes: Menopause and surgical removal of ovaries reduce protective oestrogen, increasing cardiovascular risks.
- Pregnancy complications: Conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes elevate a woman’s lifetime risk of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: Post-menopausal women are more prone to obesity, particularly abdominal fat, which significantly raises heart disease risk. Physical inactivity is also a critical factor, with many women not getting enough exercise to protect their heart health.
- Smoking: Women who smoke have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks than men who smoke.
- Autoimmune diseases: Women disproportionately suffer from autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which increase cardiovascular risk.
Why Prioritising Heart Health Matters
Cardiovascular disease accounts for about 30 per cent of deaths in women globally, surpassing all forms of cancer combined. Yet, awareness remains low, with fewer than one in 10 women perceiving heart disease as their greatest health risk. This gap in awareness, combined with underdiagnosis and suboptimal care, puts women at greater risk of fatal outcomes.
However, heart diseases are largely preventable. Lifestyle changes such as adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and soluble fibre, maintaining regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and moderating alcohol intake can dramatically reduce risk. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar is also essential for early detection as well as management.
A Call to Action for Women
Women of all ages must understand the significance of heart health. When they are aware of their particular risk factors and symptoms, women are more equipped to take preventative action and seek prompt medical care. To address this unique set of cardiovascular needs in women, healthcare practitioners must also raise awareness and customise care.
As mothers and caregivers, women often prioritise the health of their families over their own. Yet, a mother’s heart is the cornerstone of her family’s well-being. Prioritising cardiac health is not just a personal necessity but a vital step in sustaining the strength and vitality of future generations.
By embracing heart-healthy habits and advocating for better awareness and care, women can beat heart disease and continue to nurture their families with the strength of a healthy heart.