When we think of "heart disease," we often think of a middle-aged man. But did you know that the leading cause of death in women worldwide is heart disease and related conditions, also known as cardiovascular disease (CVD)? It's actually a silent killer. Many women don't even know they're at risk. So, today we'll talk about why women should be especially aware of heart disease, what the symptoms are, and what we can do to protect our hearts.
Why is the cardiovascular system of women different from that of men?
You're probably thinking, "A heart is a heart, so are there any differences between men and women?" Don't be surprised, yes, there are clear differences. Scientists have found that these differences also affect women differently in the way they are affected by heart disease.
Simply put, these changes are key.
- Anatomy: Compared to men, women's hearts and blood vessels are smaller . The walls of the main chambers (ventricles) of the heart that pump blood are also thinner.
- Blood Count: Women have fewer red blood cells in their blood, which means they can carry less oxygen at a time.
- Cardiovascular Adaptations: When we suddenly stand up from a lying position, or when we go up a hill, our bodies have to adapt. Women are more likely to have a sudden drop in blood pressure during these changes.
- Hormones: This is the biggest difference. Women have higher levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Men have higher levels of testosterone. These hormones have a big impact on our heart health.
How does a woman know if she has heart disease?
Women typically start to experience symptoms of heart disease about 10 years later than men. Although many symptoms are common to both sexes, there are differences that are specific to women, especially when it comes to heart attack and heart failure.
Symptoms of a heart attack in women
When people think of a heart attack, they usually think of a tight, constricting chest pain. That's the most common symptom. However, women are much more likely to experience other symptoms along with, or instead of, chest pain.
Heart attacks in women can often be 'silent heart attacks'. This means that symptoms appear in a way that is not easily recognized as a heart attack. This can delay treatment and even be life-threatening.
Women may experience one or more of these symptoms during a heart attack.
| Type of symptom | Description and felt places |
|---|---|
| Places where you feel pain or discomfort |
|
| Other common symptoms |
Most importantly: If you experience one or more of these symptoms for no other reason, please don't waste time. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Every minute that passes during a heart attack damages your heart muscle. Therefore, it is essential to seek treatment quickly.
Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Many women experience some warning signs (prodromal symptoms) hours, weeks, or even months before a heart attack. These come and go, so many people don't pay attention.
The most common and important early symptom is unusual fatigue for no apparent reason. If you feel tired more than usual, even without doing anything, don't ignore it.
Other early warning signs:
- Feeling uneasy
- Frequent indigestion
- Heart palpitations
- It's like my mind is covered in fog, I can't concentrate.
- Appetite
- Difficulty breathing and insomnia at night
- Numbness or tingling in the hands
- Frequent or severe headaches
- Chest discomfort
- Jaw or tooth pain
- Heaviness or weakness in the arms
Many people don't take these symptoms seriously because they come and go. But if you experience anything unusual like this, it's wise to see your doctor immediately for advice.
Women and Heart Failure
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently enough. This can lead to fluid retention, swelling in the legs, and weight gain. The way this condition affects women is different.
- Diastolic Heart Failure, a type of heart failure that occurs when the heart's pumping power (ejection fraction) is normal, is most commonly seen among women.
- The main causes of heart failure in women are hypertension , heart valve disease, diabetes, and coronary artery disease.
- Stress Cardiomyopathy (Broken Heart Syndrome), a condition that can be caused by severe psychological trauma, is also common among women.
- Women are at higher risk of developing symptomatic heart failure after a heart attack.
Symptoms such as shortness of breath (especially during exercise), difficulty exercising, and swelling of the body (edema) are commonly seen in women.
What are the specific risk factors for heart disease in women?
Common risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure affect everyone. But some factors affect women more, and some are unique to women. Let's take a look at them.
| Risk factor | How it affects women |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | Low levels of good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) are more dangerous for women over the age of 65 than for men. |
| Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) | A woman with diabetes is two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than a man with diabetes. |
| High blood pressure (Hypertension) | High blood pressure is common in women over the age of 60, but it is less well controlled. This is because some medications have more side effects and the body becomes more sensitive to salt after menopause. |
| Menopause | The hormone estrogen provides some protection against heart disease. As estrogen levels drop after menopause, the risk of blood clots, fatty deposits in the artery walls (atherosclerosis), and high cholesterol increases. |
| Obesity | Obesity is more dangerous for women than for men. Fat accumulation, especially around the abdomen, greatly increases the risk of heart disease. Obesity can increase a woman's risk of heart attack by up to three times . |
| Smoking | A woman who smokes is much more likely to develop heart disease than a man who smokes. |
| Autoimmune Diseases | Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are more common in women. These diseases significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. |
| Conditions that occur during pregnancy | Conditions such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia), gestational diabetes, and peripartum cardiomyopathy during pregnancy greatly increase the risk of developing heart disease later in life. |
| Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) | PCOS can cause multiple risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. |
Things we can do to protect ourselves from heart disease
Don't be afraid to talk about all these risks. The good news is that 4 out of 5 cases of heart disease can be prevented. Here are some things you can do to prevent it.
Imagine you're driving a car. If you go over one nail, maybe the tire will deflate a little, but you'll be able to get to the garage. But if you go over three or four nails? You have to stop there, right? The risk factors are the same. When there are several, the chances of a problem are much higher than when there is one. So what we need to do is avoid these "nails" as much as possible.
- Know your risks: Get a medical checkup every year. Be aware of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. If you need to control them, use the medications your doctor prescribes exactly.
- Exercise: Create an exercise plan that works for you. It can be as simple as walking briskly for 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week.
- Stop smoking and alcohol: Stop smoking completely. Limit alcohol consumption.
- A heart-healthy diet: This is the most important thing.
- Plan: Talk to your doctor about the changes you need to make to your diet. Make a list of things you want to eat and things you want to cut out.
- Pick: Plan your meals for the week. When you go shopping, buy according to that list. If you're eating out, think ahead about what healthy options are available.
- Be mindful of portion size: No matter how good a dish is, it's not good to eat too much. Be mindful of the portion size on your plate.
- Enjoy!: It's a myth that healthy food doesn't taste good. Find delicious, healthy recipes that you love.
Your heart is the most precious thing in your life. It is your responsibility to protect it. Talk openly with your doctor about your risk factors and the symptoms you are experiencing. That way, you can live a healthy, happy life.
Take-Home Message
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Don't think of it as a "men's disease."
- Women may experience different symptoms of a heart attack than men. They may experience symptoms such as unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea, rather than chest pain.
- Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, menopause, pregnancy complications, and PCOS greatly increase a woman's risk of heart disease.
- 80% of heart disease is preventable. It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle and have regular medical checkups.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms, do not ignore them and see your doctor immediately.
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