Despite heart disease being the leading cause of distress across the world, women still fail to acknowledge how their risks vary due to differences in their symptoms as compared to those of men. As a cardiac surgeon practicing in Westwood, Los Angeles, I often encounter women whose heart disease presentations are comparatively different from that of males. Today, we will delve deeper into these incredible aspects along with their implications for women’s heart health.

The Silent Threat: Why Women Are at Unique Risk

Heart diseases are gender-specific for women considering the risk, occurrence and the involvement of specific hormones.

• Heart attacks in women may not be painful at chest
• Women describe a lot of symptoms and do not mask it as one
• There Is a difference in treatment seeking between the genders as females tend to be late
• It is also believed that the tests required to enable detection of any underlying heart condition are not as efficient for women
• There is a belief that heart conditions are adjustable as they are prone to changes with hormones aging over time.

Warning Signs: How Women’s Heart Attack Symptoms Differ

Chest pain is write off as a classic sign of a heart attack across the world and specifically for men, while for women’s perspective its only one of variety of symptoms that can possibly raise the alarm.

Common Symptoms in Women

• Unusual fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in back, neck, jaw or any other area
• Likely feel lightheaded
• Might experience cold sweats
• Presence of gas or abdominal pain

Why Women Often Miss These Signs

A lot women confuse or dismiss these symptoms for something lesser than what they really are and stay in illusion of segregation.

• Overthinking
• Aged
• Sound Sleep
• Gastric Acid production in plenty
• Lactation management is witnessing upward growth

Unique Risk Factors for Women

A straight view of a lens showcasing heart disease shows that there exists some distinction between male and female in relation to risk in regards to female hormones.

Hormonal Influences

• Hormonal imbalance during or after Menstruation
• Contraceptive pills
• Replacement of hormone therapy
• Miscarriage
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Other Female-Specific Risks

• Autoimmune Diseases
• Diastolic dysfunction
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Emotional stress and depression

The Impact of Life Phases on Women Heart

Pregnancy and Heart

• Gestational diabetes increases future heart disease risk
• Preeclampsia could bother in future heart problems
• High blood pressure in pregnancy needs monitoring

Menopause and Heart

• Decrease in estrogen lowers blood vessel’s ability to expand and contract
• There’s also a change in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• There is an increase in weight and other metabolic changes.

Prevention Strategies that Would be Specific to Women

A woman can do certain things that would help her prevent heart issues. These are the following:

1. Know Your Numbers

• Blood pressure,
• Cholesterol levels,
• Blood sugar,
• Body Mass Index (BMI),
• Waist circumference.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

• Regular exercise – 150 mins a week minimum (stand up)
• Fat heart diet with:
  • Omega 3
  • Lean Protein
  • Whole Grain
  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• Managing stress

Enough sleep

3. Regular Health Screenings

• Yearly check-ups
• Checking risks for cardiovascular diseases
• Taking blood and analysis for monitoring

How to Seek Medical Attention for Woman?

Immediately go seek help if:

• Difficulty of unusual fatigue that takes several days
• Shortness of breath with minimal movement
• Discomfort in the chest even when slight
• Problems with sleep that lasts for a long time

New or recently developed symptoms

Comprehensive support for woman’s heart health in Westwood

In our Westwood facility, we appreciate the issues that women have in regard to heart health. We offer: Targeted Heart Assessments Comprehensive Multidimensional Investigations Tailor Made Treatment Approaches Strategies for Preventive Treatment Assistance in Modification of Life Program.

Push your limits and fight for your heart health

Due to various reasons ladies tend to remain under the radar, but when the matter comes to heart checkups a robust approach is necessary. Regular health checkups and early medical intervention can make a difference in avoiding serious medical issues in the future.

Get in touch for Woman’s Heart Health Consultation

Make sure heart diseases do not come as a surprise to you and be on the lookout for any woman heart checkup in the Westwood vicinity.