What Every Woman Should Know About Heart Health

By: Priyanka Gosain, MD

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 45 percent of women older than 20 have some form of heart disease. Most of these can be prevented with lifestyle changes and timely medical care.

Symptoms in Women Aren’t Typical

Heart attacks in women present differently and can sometimes be misdiagnosed. Women should be aware of unusual symptoms like:

• Lower chest pain or stomach pain
• Jaw, neck, or upper back pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Women should know their personal risk in relation to high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and family history. There’re additional risks that may be unique to women or affect them more often:

• Smoking: Women smokers have a 25 percent higher risk of heart disease than male smokers.
• Pregnancy: Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia (a high blood pressure disorder associated with pregnancy) can be warnings of heart disease in the future.
• Menopause: Hormonal changes while a woman is experiencing menopause can advance heart disease.
• Autoimmune diseases: Women have a higher likelihood of having an autoimmune disease that affects the heart.

Take Charge of Your Health

Living heart healthy starts with lifestyle changes to diet, exercise, and mental health. Understanding the symptoms and speaking openly with a doctor can make all the difference for women prioritizing their heart health during American Heart Month.

To make an appointment with Jackson Heart Institute, visit MiamiHeartLeader.org or call 305-585-4564.