According to the National Institute of Health, heart disease is a significant cause of mortality among women aged 65 and above. It’s often easy to underestimate the risks women face when it comes to heart disease because of a misconception they are safe. Acknowledging the gender-specific reason women are vulnerable to heart disease may help more women take action early. Discover the three leading types of heart disease in women.
1. Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a heart disease where the gradual buildup of plaque constricts the arteries, thus preventing proper blood flow. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), CAD is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. from diverse backgrounds. Women with high blood pressure and cholesterol levels are at a higher risk of CAD.
Both men and women are prone to CAD, but the risk for women increases with age. As a woman ages and approaches menopause, the levels of estrogen go down, thus taking away protection. Since symptoms may vary with those of males, diagnosis is often challenging. Renowned cardiologist Dr. Ian Weisberg recommends active lifestyles to protect against heart diseases.
2. Myocardial Infarction
Myocardial infarction, or simply heart attack, happens when part of the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and blood, leading to damage to the heart tissue. The blockage may be caused by interruption of normal blood flow, for instance, when blood clots around a plaque. Like CAD, heart attack is prevalent among women who regularly smoke, live a sedentary life, or have high cholesterol levels.
Women are often prone to poor prognosis because symptoms are atypical when compared to that of males. Yet the consequences of undiagnosed heart attacks are more severe for women. According to the European Society of Cardiology, women are more likely to die from a heart attack than men.
3. Heart Failure
Heart failure is a severe condition where the heart is unable to pump blood to body organs. It may occur after a heart attack or CAD. According to the American Heart Association, women have a 20% higher risk of having heart failure or dying five years after their first heart attack. Women are also likely to develop heart failure in later years of life, where heart issues may co-occur. It’s paramount that women seek medical intervention after the onset of other heart conditions. Having high cholesterol levels and leg swelling is enough to warrant seeing a cardiologist.
Takeaway
Women have certain protective factors, such as estrogen hormone, against heart disease. However, these factors are not enough to keep heart issues at bay, considering these conditions are the leading cause of mortality among women. Knowing the most common types of heart disease should help you be proactive. A good step can be scheduling a consultation with expert cardiologists such as Dr. Ian Weisberg.
