Heart disease is the leading killer of American women. More women die of heart disease each year than all forms of cancer, combined.
Yet women often ignore the warning signs of a heart attack.
“Often times, heart attacks in women go unreported,” says Karen Diop, RN, Director of Cardiology Services for Saint Anthony’s. “This is because some women do not always take heart disease symptoms seriously, and also because women’s symptoms are often more subtle than men’s.”
Heart disease and stroke can strike women at any age. And the processes that lead to heart disease start in young women and develop over time. “It is not unusual to see female patients with heart attacks in their twenties and thirties,” she adds.
Women may frequently continue activities when they feel ill, either seeing their symptoms as not serious or using denial to avoid what might be happening to them. “In cardiology, we often use the phrase ‘time is muscle’ -- the sooner a person gets treatment for a heart attack they will have a better outcome,” Karen says. “We are very proud of our cardiac program at Saint Anthony’s. Our ability to get a patient to the cath lab quickly is often way ahead of the national benchmark of 90 minutes.”
There are some risk factors women cannot control like genetics or family history, but by making some lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, according to Karen. Prevention of problems before they occur is most important.
Smoking is the single most preventable risk factor. Women who smoke increase their heart disease risk two to four times more than that of a non-smoking woman.
High Cholesterol in the blood can build up and lead to deposits that narrow arteries and block blood flow.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the most important risk factor for heart failure and stroke. Women have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure if they are 20 pounds or more over a healthy weight for their height and build, have a family history of high blood pressure, or have reached menopause.
Physical Inactivity is also a risk factor, especially when combined with excess weight and high cholesterol. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise a day on most days will help gain heart health benefits.
Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the body is unable to either produce or respond to the hormone insulin. Women with diabetes have from three to seven times greater risk of heart disease and a heart attack, and are at much greater risk of having a stroke.
Other risk factors for women include: Menopause and estrogen loss, high triglyceride levels and excessive alcohol intake.
| Common Warning Signs of an Attack | Less Common Warning Signs |
| Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back | Unusual chest, stomach or abdominal pain |
| Pain that spreads to the shoulder, neck or arms; jaw pain | Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing |
| Chest discomfort with light-headedness, fainting | Dizziness |
| Sweating, Nausea or shortness of breath | Heart palpitations, cold sweat, or paleness |
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. “If a woman experiences any of these symptoms, she should call 9-1-1 and go to the Emergency Room right away,” says Karen. “The sooner someone can reach the nearest hospital emergency room, the better your chances for a full recovery.
“New medications can prevent serious damage to the heart muscle, but they must be administered during the early stages of an attack,” Karen notes.
To help prevent heart disease, women should be their own best health advocate. “Preventing heart disease is up to each woman – regular physician visits, healthy lifestyles and medications if necessary can all contribute to a healthy heart,” she adds.
For a free brochure on Women and Heart Disease, call 618/465-2264.