According to the American Heart Association, a woman dies from heart disease every 80 seconds. The good news is that about 80% of cardiovascular disease can be prevented by knowing and managing your risk factors.

Facts about women and heart disease

• Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women. It affects more women than men and kills more women than all types of cancer combined. According to the CDC, heart disease killed 310,661 women in 2021, or about 1 in 5 women.
• You may be at risk even if you have no symptoms. Almost two-thirds of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.
• This affects women of all ages. Overeating, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk of heart disease.
• There are also risk factors that are beyond your control. However, some people can be treated, managed, and controlled with the help of their health care provider. Things that cannot be changed, such as family history, are still important when assessing risk for heart disease and stroke.

Heart disease Risk factor

• Diabetes
• high blood pressure
• mental stress and depression
• smoking
• lack of regular activity
• alcohol consumption
• Broken Heart Syndrome – Often caused by a sudden stressful situation, it can cause severe, usually temporary, heart failure. This is most common in postmenopausal women.
• Pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes can increase a woman’s long-term risk of heart disease.

Heart attack signs and symptoms

• Chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom.
• Uncomfortable tightness, tightness, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts for more than a few minutes or disappears and comes back again.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms – back, neck, jaw, abdomen
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Other signs such as cold sweats, nausea, and lightheadedness
• Women are slightly more likely than men to experience other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back and jaw pain.

How women can reduce their risk of heart disease

• Quit smoking – Smoking affects the heart and blood vessels and is one of the most preventable causes of heart disease. Smoking constricts your arteries, making your heart work harder. Smoking can also cause irregular heart rhythms and increase blood pressure, which is a major cause of stroke.
• Eat well – A diet rich in a variety of vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains is your first line of defense against developing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
• Exercise – Being physically active releases mood-enhancing chemicals called endorphins, which reduce stress and protect against heart disease by lowering blood pressure, strengthening the heart muscle, and maintaining a healthy weight. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week improves heart health.
• Eliminate or moderate your alcohol intake – Excessive drinking can increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke.
• Practice relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing. Learning how to relax can lower stress levels and blood pressure.
• Get regular health checkups, especially if your family has a history of heart disease. Work with your doctor to find the best way to manage your personal health needs.
• Know your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, and more.
• Sleep well – Sleep is essential for a healthy heart. People who don’t get enough sleep have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease.

Effects of stress on the heart

• Unmanaged stress, especially stress-related anger and hostility, can affect health. Possible causes include:
  • high blood pressure
  • irregular heart rhythm
  • artery damage
  • high cholesterol level
  • Onset and progression of coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis)
  • decreased immunity
• When stressed, people often turn to harmful habits such as smoking, overeating, drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption to relieve stress. All these factors further increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Bringing cutting-edge heart care closer to you

Ascension Wisconsin’s care team provides advanced cardiac testing and diagnosis, treatment, medication management, and cardiac and vascular surgical care and rehabilitation. As part of a national cardiac care team, our physicians also share best practices in care and research, connecting you to advanced cardiac care close to home. Find a doctor and call us first or click here to schedule an appointment online.

Desiree DizajM.D. is a cardiologist at Ascension Medical Group, 3803 Spring Street, Racine, Wisconsin.she He is board certified in cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, and internal medicine.To make a reservation please call 262-687-8260.