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Story highlights
Women often experience non-classic symptoms of heart attack
Heart disease affects women differently than men in some aspects
44% of US women are affected by a mindful risk factor
CNN
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Heart disease is the primary cause of death for women in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 60 million American women live with some form of heart disease, yet just over half are aware that it is the most common cause of female mortality.
What are the types of heart disease that women should be aware of? Does heart disease affect women differently than men? What are symptoms that may indicate cardiac problems? And what should women do to improve their cardiac health?
To answer these questions, CNN spoke with Dr. Leana Wen, a wellness expert, emergency physician, and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University, who previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.
CNN: What are the types of heart disease that women should be aware of?
Dr. Leana Wen: Heart disease encompasses several cardiovascular conditions.
Coronary artery disease is the most common type, occurring when the heart’s arteries are narrowed or blocked by cholesterol deposits. This disease and vascular disease are the leading causes of heart attacks and strokes. Risk factors for coronary artery disease include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking.
Another type is heart rhythm abnormalities, such as atrial fibrillation, which can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.
Heart failure is when the heart is weakened or damaged due to factors like heart attacks, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol use, or infections. Structural abnormalities of the heart, both congenital and developed, are also forms of heart disease.
CNN: Does heart disease affect women differently than it affects men?
Wen: In some ways, yes. Women have smaller hearts and blood vessels compared with men, making them more likely to develop heart disease in the smaller arteries of their heart, which is harder to diagnose and contributes to missed diagnoses. Hormonal changes and certain conditions like anemia and endometriosis also increase women’s risk of heart disease.
CNN: Are there cardiac problems that occur specifically during pregnancy?
Wen: Some medical conditions can impact heart health during and after pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and serious conditions like enlarged heart leading to heart failure. Preexisting heart conditions may also manifest during pregnancy and delivery, emphasizing the need for attention to heart health in this population.
CNN: What are symptoms that mean women should seek prompt urgent medical attention?
Wen: Classic heart attack symptoms include chest pain, jaw and neck pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and nausea. Women may experience non-classic symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and upper abdomen discomfort and are at higher risk of misdiagnosis. Vague variations of classic symptoms or atypical manifestations should be promptly addressed.
CNN: What about other heart problems that aren’t heart attacks? What might be some warning signs?
Wen: Heart rhythm abnormalities can cause palpitations, lightheadedness, and fainting, while congestive heart failure may lead to exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs. Monitoring symptoms and advocating for proper care is essential, as subtle symptoms should not be dismissed. Communicating changes in physical abilities can guide healthcare providers in understanding the urgency of the situation.
CNN: What should women do to improve their cardiac health?
Wen: Managing existing conditions that elevate the risk of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, is crucial. Lifestyle changes and medications, if necessary, can optimize blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Addressing obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise, as well as stress, sleep, and mental well-being, is also paramount to heart health.
Proper attention to health conditions is key to reducing heart disease risks in women, as well as lifestyle modifications to promote overall well-being.
