Skip to main content

More on Women and Heart Disease

In a recent article, we discussed the issue of heart disease and the subtle ways it presents in women, offering Susan Lucci’s recent health scare as an example. Hearing that heart disease is the number one killer of women can feel frightening, understandably. For that reason, we want to follow up on our last article with a brief discussion about how to spot the signs of heart disease in women and how to reduce the risk of a cardiac event.

Research has taught us that we cannot look at heart disease the same in women as we do in men. Risk factors are different. Symptoms are different, too. The average man who has a condition like atherosclerosis may feel sharp angina-type chest pain. The women with the same condition may have very little chest pain at all. Instead, she may feel:

Proactivity for Heart Disease

Heart disease can be treated and managed with appropriate cardiac care. However, scientific studies suggest that up to 80 percent of heart disease can be prevented. This is great news for men and women alike. Who doesn’t love the idea of instilling a few habits to live a longer and healthier life!

  1. Reduce weight with a diet that can be maintained. No fads. No strict deprivation of foods that you love. Everything in moderation. That is unless moderation is not possible. Multiple studies have indicated the immense value of a plant-based diet. Less meat and more veggies for the win!
  2. Reduce stress. The American Heart Association discusses stress as a major factor in cholesterol and blood pressure, which happen to be factored in heart attack risk. Reducing stress doesn’t have to look any particular way. Grab some pens or crayons and color, if that suits you, or hit the putting green, the dance floor, or the yoga mat. Stress relief is vital for all of us today, and it can be tailored to suit our personality.
  3. Manage weight with regular activity. Get up and get moving, says the AHA, to inhibit the formation of fatty plaques in the arteries. Like stress reduction, an active lifestyle is something of your own complete design. Have fun with this and you’re much more likely to keep up your new habits.

If you have questions about the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, we’re here to help. Call 516-437-5600 to schedule a visit at our Lake Success, Forest Hills, or Richmond Hill office.

You Might Also Enjoy...

What Can I Expect During a Nuclear Heart Scan?

What Can I Expect During a Nuclear Heart Scan?

A nuclear heart scan, or nuclear stress test, is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that can track blood flow to and through the heart. Learn what to expect during the study and what it can reveal about your heart.
Is Chest Pain After Exercise Always Serious?

Is Chest Pain After Exercise Always Serious?

It’s hard not to think “heart” when you mention chest pain. However, that discomfort in your chest could be related to sore muscles, an upset stomach, or a heart attack. So, is it serious? Maybe. Maybe not. Check these facts from our specialty team.
Can You Ever Be Too Young for Heart Disease? 

Can You Ever Be Too Young for Heart Disease? 

If you’re putting off focusing on heart health until you’re much older, you probably shouldn’t. Learn about the factors that increase your risk of heart disease at any age and what you can do to prevent it. 

3 Subtle Signs of Hypertension

One of the concerns of hypertension is that you may have this potentially life-threatening condition for years without experiencing any symptoms. However, some subtle signs may indicate your blood pressure is creeping upward.