Know the Signs: Understanding Women's Heart Health Symptoms

When it comes to health, few things are more important than your heart. However, for women, the signs that something may be amiss with their heart health can often be overlooked or mistaken for other issues entirely. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, but many don't recognize the warning signs. While men typically experience chest pain during a heart attack, women's heart attack symptoms can be more subtle and varied, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

At Southwest Cardiovascular Associates, we understand the unique ways that heart disease impacts women. In this blog, we'll explore the unique signs of heart trouble in women, helping you understand your risk and empowering you to take charge of your heart health.

Common Heart Disease Symptoms in Women

While the classic symptoms of heart attacks, such as chest pain and arm numbness, are widely recognized, many women may experience different, more subtle signs that can easily go unnoticed. These include:

• Fatigue or overwhelming exhaustion
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Pressure or tightness in the center of the chest
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Other Symptoms to Watch For

• Cold sweats or clammy skin: Breaking out in a cold, clammy sweat for no apparent reason can potentially indicate poor circulation caused by clogged arteries.
• Back, arm, or jaw pain: Many women experience inexplicable pain in their jaw or between their shoulder blades during a heart attack. This referred pain can radiate from the chest or could be one of the only symptoms present.
• Unexplained anxiety or a feeling of impending doom: An overwhelming sense of anxiety or feeling that something just isn't "right" can be a woman's gut signaling that she's having a heart attack, even without obvious chest pains.
  
  

We encourage women to listen to their bodies and not dismiss any new or persistent symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Some risk factors for heart disease in women, like age, gender, and family history, are unavoidable, but many can be modified through a proactive approach. HER Heart aims to educate women on these risks so they can make informed choices.

While high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle are heart disease risk factors for all people, new and emerging research is shedding light on risk factors that are specific to women. These include:

• Premature menopause
• Hypertensive complications of pregnancy
• Treatment of breast cancer
  
  

In addition to being aware of risk factors, practicing heart-healthy habits can go a long way in prevention:

• Maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet low in saturated fats, salt, and sugar
• Exercise regularly with a mix of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities  
• Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke exposure
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, social support, and work-life balance
• Take medications as prescribed for conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.
• Schedule routine check-ups to monitor heart health markers

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, particularly if they come on suddenly or are accompanied by shortness of breath, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. HER Heart strongly encourages women to prioritize their heart health and not dismiss warning signs, even if they seem mild or more varied.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection is key when it comes to heart disease. At Southwest Cardiovascular Associates, our heart specialists understand that heart disease can present differently in women, often with subtle or vague symptoms that are easy to overlook. Our mission is to educate and empower women to recognize these unique signs, advocating for their heart health every step of the way.

Knowledge is power, and by understanding the potential symptoms, you can take action early and prioritize your well-being. If you’re ready to prioritize your heart health or have concerns about symptoms, we’re here to be your advocate.