Her heart matters: women and heart disease

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, yet awareness continues to lag. Only about 45% of women in the U.S. recognize heart disease as a major threat, according to recent data. 

In a recent presentation at NKC Health’s EmpowerHER Day, Cardiologist Rajya L Malay, MD, with NKC Health Heart Care, emphasized the importance of understanding women’s unique risks, recognizing early symptoms and taking proactive steps toward prevention. 

Why women face different risks 

While men and women share a lot of traditional risk factors, women experience additional challenges related to significant hormonal changes, more abnormal testing despite a lower incidence of blocked arteries. Women have more symptoms, less calcifications, and smaller arteries. Hormonal changes at different stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, have a significant effect on the cardiovascular system. 

“The best way to avoid complications is to know your risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, waist to hip ratio, etc.” Dr. Malay said. 

Heart health across life stages 

Women’s hearts are unique and evolve significantly across stages of life. These transitions in life affect cardiovascular health and, in some cases, can increase risk, requiring attention and care. 

Pregnancy 

Pregnancy is an incredible physiological feat. Your heart works harder; blood volume rises, and your cardiac output increases to support your baby. But conditions like gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and even peripartum cardiomyopathy (a rare form of heart failure) can occur during pregnancy and increase future heart risk. Awareness, preventive care and collaborative care across the specialties will help reduce complications. 

Menopause 

Menopause is not a single moment; it’s a phase that takes a few years to set in. Hormonal changes can influence weight, blood pressure, bone density, sleep patterns, insulin resistance and therefore, overall cardiovascular risk. While initially thought to be cardio-protective, hormone replacement therapy did not fare well in the Women’s Health Initiative study.

This large study showed increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, clots and breast cancer in women on HRT. Further analysis suggests that HRT has to be individualized to each woman’s needs.

Heart attacks in women 

Heart attacks don’t always present the same way in women as in men. Women may experience “silent” heart attacks and have subtle symptoms (as listed below) that are sometimes ignored or cause a delay in seeking medical attention. Some conditions, such as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), or microvascular dysfunction, are more common in women.  

Unlike the dramatic chest pain often portrayed in movies, women’s heart attack symptoms can be subtle. Dr. Malay reminds us that signs may include: 

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unusual fatigue
• Pain in the jaw, neck, upper back  
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Pain/heaviness in the back or arms 

If something feels “off,” don’t ignore it, trust your instincts, and seek medical care right away. Early action can save your life. 

Prevention starts with you 

The good news: up to 90% of heart disease is preventable. Dr. Malay encourages women to take charge of their health by: 

• Knowing key numbers, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight
• Exercising at least 30 minutes most days
• Eating heart-healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains
• Reducing stress through relaxation, connection and self-care
• Avoiding tobacco and asking a doctor for help quitting 

Take charge of your heart health 

Your heart works hard every day; make sure it’s getting the care it deserves. Connect with a NKC Health cardiologist or primary care provider to review your risk factors, track your numbers and create a personalized plan for your heart. With the right guidance, you can protect your heart through every stage of life, because when your heart thrives, so do you. 
 

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Trevin Lambert

Trevin is the Content Development Coordinator at North Kansas City Hospital. In his position at NKCH, he creates a variety of written materials utilized throughout the hospital and online for both internal and external audiences. He and his wife, Maddie, recently moved to Kansas City with their dog, Indiana Jones, and their cat, Keanu Reeves.