Women have more symptoms that seem unrelated to a heart attack like nausea and brief pain in the neck or back
Heart disease is the most common cause of death for both women and men across the world. According to doctors, some of the symptoms of heart disease in women differ from those in men. Timely acknowledging the symptoms of a heart attack and heart disease may help save a life.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack in women?
While chest pain is the most common sign of a heart attack among both genders, women will have more symptoms that seem unrelated to a heart attack, like nausea and brief pain in the neck or back. Women often describe heart attack chest pain as pressure or tightness.
A few symptoms exclusive to women include:
- Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or upper stomach pain
- Breathlessness
- Pain in one or both arms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Extreme fatigue and tiredness
- Heartburn due to indigestion
Doctors say even though these are vague signs, b still more noticeable than chest pain.
What are the risk factors for heart disease in women?
According to experts, risk factors for heart disease in women play a bigger role in their overall health and well-being. Women are more likely than men to have health conditions that increase the risk of heart disease such as:
Smoking
Smoking is a greater risk factor for heart disease in women.
Sedentary lifestyle
Not being physically active and living a sedentary lifestyle are among the major risk factors for heart disease.
Stress and other mental health issues
According to doctors, stress and symptoms of depression affect women's hearts more than men's. It also makes it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow recommended treatment for other health conditions.
Type 2 diabetes
Women with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than men.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS raises your risk of cardiovascular disease and those with the condition develop individual risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. Estimates show that up to 5 million people of reproductive age in the US have PCOS.
Menopause
Low levels of estrogen after menopause increase the risk of developing small vessel heart disease.
Complications in pregnancy
Women who have high blood pressure during pregnancy have long-term heart issues.
Tips for women to reduce the risk of heart issues
Regular physical activity
Regular exercise and workouts help reduce heart issues by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Doctors suggest it is easy to start walking and jogging.
Eat heart-healthy foods
You must increase your intake of heart-healthy foods like fruits and vegetables with each meal; limit saturated fat and added sugars; and eat more whole grains. Choose the leanest cuts of meat available and prepare them in healthy ways.
Quit smoking
Quit smoking to give your heart a longer life.
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