Heart disease is often seen as a “man’s disease,” but it’s actually the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States. However, women face unique risk factors and challenges when it comes to diagnosing and treating heart disease.
Dr. Malissa Wood, Vice President and Chief Physician Executive at the Lee Health Heart Institute, discusses why women should understand their unique risk factors and how a healthy lifestyle can prevent heart disease.
WHY WOMEN DIFFER FROM MEN
Women and men share many risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of exercise, and obesity. However, women also face unique risks, like complications during pregnancy, early onset menopause, and autoimmune diseases.
“Understanding those nuances between men and women and addressing them is really part of what the Lee Health Heart Institute specialists are here to do,” Dr. Wood says.
WATCH: MEET DR. MALISSA WOOD
For example, she says, although men and women both experience chest pain when they present with a heart attack, women are more likely to also have associated symptoms including palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and neck/arm discomfort. Symptoms in women are also more subtle, thus, women are more likely to ignore their symptoms.
“Women may experience shortness of breath, nausea, back pain, or fatigue in the weeks leading up to a heart attack,” Dr. Wood explains. “These signs are subtle, which can lead to women not realizing what’s happening and delay necessary treatment.”
Only about half (56 percent) of U.S. women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer, according to the American Heart Association.
PROTECT YOUR HEART HEALTH
The good news is 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
“A healthy lifestyle can go a long way towards reducing your risk,” Dr. Wood says. Her recommendations for staying proactive about your heart health include:
• Eregularly – aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like walking. • Managing conditions such as: ○ Cholesterol – talk with your doctor about having your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked. “High cholesterol has no signs or symptoms,” Dr. Wood says. “Elevated cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.” ○ Diabetes – Having uncontrolled diabetes raises your risk of heart disease. Talk with your doctor about whether you should be tested for diabetes. ○ High blood pressure (hypertension). “We know hypertension or high blood pressure is the silent killer,” Dr. Wood notes. “People don’t have symptoms unless their blood pressure is dangerously high. Check your blood pressure often if you’re at risk or smoke.” • Practicing good sleep habits. “Sleep is an under-appreciated risk factor for high blood pressure and other health conditions,” Dr. Wood says. ““Check in with your doctor if you do have a sleep disorder, because you may have sleep apnea or other conditions, that can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.”
• Managing your stress levels by finding healthy ways to cope with stress. • Eating a balanced, nutritious diet high in fruits and vegetables.
Dr. Wood stresses the importance of regular check-ups to ensure that your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are within healthy ranges.
“Tracking your numbers over time is helpful for catching issues early,” she says. “Don’t hesitate to bring up any concerning symptoms with your provider, even if they seem minor. The earlier heart disease can be addressed, the better the outcome.”
OUR HEARTS ARE DEDICATED TO YOURS
Keeping our community healthy means everything. That’s why we created the Lee Health Heart Institute. We are dedicated to bringing together the best minds in heart care all for one purpose – you. Click the link above to learn more about how our experts provide complete cardiac care from diagnosis to treatment.
https://www.leehealth.org/health-and-wellness/ healthy-news-blog/heart-health/taking-care-of- your-heart-why-women-need-to-pay-at
