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Understanding Heart Disease in Women

The threat of heart disease is very real, not only in men but in women too. In fact, women are much more likely to die from heart disease than all the cancers combined. That is quite alarming considering the fact that men usually get all the attention in the heart disease arena. Even doctors are guilty of not testing for heart disease in some women when they come into their care. The reason why this avenue is overlooked is because sometimes women's symptoms of heart disease do not mimic those that men receive.

Not until the past decade or so has the spotlight been shed on women and their susceptibility to heart disease. In the past, doctors, researchers and even medical schools were all taught the signs of heart disease and symptoms of a heart attack from the perspective of a man. It is no wonder that many signs were overlooked in women! Several factors such as social and hormonal differences are primary factors.

Heart disease in men and women not all equal

One of the reasons why women have slipped under the heart disease radar is because sometimes a few of the screening tests are actually clear. An angiogram could be taken of a woman's arteries and appear perfectly healthy but that does not put her in the clear of heart disease. Sometimes, the angiograms do not spot all of the smaller arteries leading to and from the heart that could have a build-up of plaque in them.

Heart attack symptoms also may differ between a man and woman. Both may feel some type of pressure, squeezing sensation or pain in the chest area but the severity often fluctuates. In addition, women tend to have seemingly unrelated symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, cold sweats or even discomfort in the neck and shoulder areas. These symptoms often are mistaken for other ailments which prolongs the time before treatment is received.

One theory as to why women and men's heart attack symptoms differ is that women have smaller arteries. Plus, when a build-up of plaque occurs in men, this build-up eventually breaks apart abruptly, causing the pain of a heart attack. With women though, the plaque actually breaks down the layers of the arteries leaving the inner layer exposed, thus weakening it.

What women should do

It is not only older women over the magical age of 60 who suffer from heart disease. Women of all ages are susceptible and in fact in the 25-45 age group, heart disease is the third leading cause of death! Because heart disease is more prevalent than you thought, changes in lifestyle can be a big positive move. Adopting a healthier diet is necessary - one high in monounsaturated fats and low in cholesterol and saturated fats. Exercise is a definite must, something that will get the heart rate up so you know you are getting a workout. No smoking and moderate alcohol consumption also is necessary. Adding all of these lifestyle changes up along with getting yearly physicals can help in reducing your chances of heart disease.