Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality in men and women in the United States, yet prior research has shown a lack of awareness of risk among women. According to the CDC, despite an increase in awareness over the past decades, only about half (56%) of women recognize that heart disease is one of the primary causes of death, which only alludes to the gaps that persist in disseminating knowledge around heart diseases in women.
It was in 2004 that the American Heart Association (AHA) launched an international campaign — Go Red for Women to educate women about the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. In the light of American Heart Health Awareness Month, here’s what you should know about women’s heart health.
Heart Diseases Can Present Differently in Women
While chest pain is considered to be the primary symptom associated with heart attack, it might not be the case for women. Women often describe heart attack pain as pressure or tightness. In women, a heart attack can present itself as shortness of breath, pain in the arms, nausea, or fatigue. Since symptoms of a heart attack in women are less noticeable and vague than in men, there is a wedge in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases in men and women.
Potential Risk Factors for Women
There are several traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease — such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity, that affect both women and men. However, factors that affect women’s heart health include mental stress and depression, smoking, inactivity, menopause, broken heart syndrome, and pregnancy complications.
Mitigating Risks Associated with Heart Diseases in Women
Some risk factors of heart disease are out of any individual’s control, such as your age, gender, race or ethnicity, and family history. But by making a few lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits, you can alleviate the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
Leading cardiologists recommend keeping your weight in check, controlling blood pressure, keeping cholesterol low, regular exercise, quit smoking. Additionally, incorporating regular checkups in your routine can help ensure you don’t have any major health issues and identify any potential problems in their earliest stages.
When it comes to monitoring heart health, healthcare professionals use a portable ECG monitor that performs and manages tests while saving money and working with your existing equipment.
If you run a healthcare facility and are looking to upgrade to a Portable ECG system, reach out to Nasiff.
