Most people associate heart disease with men, and generally elderly men. This, however, is far from the real picture. Heart disease is a serious health problem in women as well, but still remains underdiagnosed and sub-optimally managed in our country. One of the main reasons for this is that in many cases, women may not have the ‘classic’ symptoms of a heart attack. This can result in symptoms being overlooked or misdiagnosed as acidity, stress, tiredness or other minor health issues.
Warning signs in women
Chest pain or pressure is common in women, but they can also get other, more subtle, symptoms. These may occur suddenly or slowly.
The following signs should be watched out for:
- Unusual shortness of breath, even without much exertion
- Abnormally excessive fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, dizziness or sweating
- Back pain or discomfort in the back, jaw, neck, shoulders or arms
- A sense of pressure, weight or unease in the chest
Sometimes, both women and healthcare providers may ignore these symptoms or dismiss them as fatigue or digestive issues, particularly when there is no severe chest pain. But continued or atypical symptoms should never be left to self-diagnosis.
Understanding heart disease in women
The risks of heart disease can vary for women of different ages. High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol contribute to the risk. Heart health can also be impacted by smoking, inactivity, poor diet and chronic stress. Some conditions that can occur during pregnancy are also likely to be factors in heart risk, and should be discussed with a doctor, including high blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy. Hormonal changes may also play a role. Once women reach menopause, the risk of cardiovascular disease rises, as there is less protective oestrogen in the body.
Also, coronary artery disease is not always obstructive: a normal angiogram does not necessarily exclude heart disease. as women have a higher incidence of microvascular angina, and so, it is important to not stop evaluations.
What is also of great concern is that women might not seek medical treatment if symptoms are atypical. During a heart attack this delay can be fatal, as every minute counts.
Steps to make a difference
Protecting your heart health does not always mean making big changes in your lifestyle. Simple daily practices and regular health checkups can make a big difference.
These are some steps that women can take:
Know your numbers: Be aware of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol—especially if there is a family history of heart disease.
Diet : Follow a balanced, nutritious diet, preferably a Mediterranean/DASH diet.
Be physically active: Walk, exercise or do something you enjoy regularly, to help maintain your heart health.
Stop smoking completely: This protects the heart and the rest of the body as well
Do not ignore unusual symptoms: Sudden difficulty in breathing, sudden weakness, chest discomfort or pain in the jaw, back or arms should be promptly evaluated.
Women don’t always experience noticeable symptoms when they have a heart disease. Sometimes, symptoms may not be obvious. For women to own their heart health, it is crucial to be aware of these symptoms, understand their risk factors, and seek timely medical attention. Women’s heart health should be also given increased importance in healthcare settings because their symptoms may be less apparent at times, and early detection and prompt medical intervention can make a huge difference.
(Dr. Saurabh Juneja is director & head, CTVS, cardiac sciences, ISIC Multispeciality Hospital. dr.juneja@gmail.com)
