Heart Disease in Women Symptoms That Often Get Overlooked
What is Heart Disease?
“Heart disease” is a term used to describe several heart conditions that can cause cardiac events like heart attacks, heart failure, and arrythmias. For nearly a century, it has been – and continues to be – the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women alike. According to the CDC heart disease accounts for nearly 17% of all deaths, or 1 out of 5, annually. It can be difficult to diagnose, too: you may not even know you are living with heart disease until you experience a cardiac event yourself. Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, and there are signs and symptoms you can monitor to help you catch possible cardiac issues early on. But are they the same for everyone?
Why Heart Disease in Women is Often Overlooked
Heart disease kills hundreds and thousands of men and women each year, but because the number of men who succumb to the disease tends to be somewhat higher than that of women, many believe that heart disease is a “men’s disease,” meaning that it primarily – or even exclusively – affects men. This misconception is quite pervasive, and often leads to women’s cardiovascular issues being misunderstood, misdiagnosed and/or undiagnosed, or left out of the conversation entirely. But not only are women just as likely to suffer from heart disease at staggering rates, but they also experience symptoms differently than men do, and often deal with symptoms unique from the “classic” symptoms that men present.
In addition to experiencing heart disease differently and not necessarily being associated with it, women are also up against cultural biases and roadblocks that may further complicate their chances of receiving a diagnosis. Historically, men have been the default subject of medical studies – including those related to heart disease – and so less is known or understood about women’s health in general. It is also common for women’s issues to be dismissed, downplayed, or chalked up to anxiety or burnout, or for women to prioritize their family or those they provide care for over their own health.
Heart Disease Symptoms that Women Shouldn’t Ignore
Fatigue: It is not unusual to feel exhausted after a busy day, especially in our fast-paced world. But if you’re feeling sudden or extreme fatigue after minimal exertion, it might be caused by more than just the stress of the daily grind.
Shortness of Breath: Feeling easily winded? You might chalk that up to being “out of shape,” but if you’re experiencing shortness of breath at rest or after even the lightest of activity, it could be a sign of something more serious. Be vigilant – and don’t be so easily convinced that it’s a psychosomatic symptom of anxiety, either.
Nausea or Vomiting: While everything from a stomach bug to a bad meal can cause these common symptoms, pay attention to any unusual instances of nausea and vomiting, especially if you are otherwise feeling well.
Jaw, Neck and/or Back Pain: If you haven’t done anything to flex or strain your jaw, neck or back lately, a dull or radiating pain in these areas could signal underlying heart issues.
Chest Pain or Discomfort: Chest pain is one of the most common and recognized symptoms of cardiac distress for all demographics, and may manifest as pressure, a feeling of fullness, or a squeezing sensation. It may not always feel chest-crushingly painful as portrayed in movies and TV shows, either.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: While easily dismissed as dehydration, low blood sugar, or myriad other things, dizziness and lightheadedness could be a red flag if accompanied by fatigue or heart palpitations.
Cold Sweats: For women of a certain age, this symptom may be dismissed as a sign of menopause. But in the absence of exercise or excessive heat, breaking out into a cold sweat could signal a heart problem.
Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat: Heart palpitations, a fluttering sensation, and other heartbeat irregularities are also serious heart disease symptoms that often get dismissed as anxiety.
If any of these signs resonate with you, do not panic – but do not hesitate to seek help immediately, either. Even with minor or mild symptoms, a trip to the emergency room or urgent care could make a life-or-death difference in the long run. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, and don’t let anyone convince you that your symptoms are not serious or all in your head. Your health – and your livelihood – is worth the trip.
Preventing, Monitoring, and Lowering Your Risk of Heart Disease
If these symptoms do not feel familiar to you (and you would like to try and keep it that way), there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing heart disease. The easiest way to do this is to keep your overall health in check. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet, stay active, check in with your doctors regularly, and monitor vitals like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar for any changes or red flags. It is also good to know your family’s history of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues, and to talk to your doctor about your personal and genetic risk factors.
Ultimately, the greatest thing you can do as a woman to lower your risk of heart disease is to advocate for yourself. Even if you are otherwise in excellent health, if you sense that something is off, prioritize finding out what that could be. Keep in mind that because some of these symptoms are unique to women, they may not always be considered signs of heart disease – even by medical professionals. Insist on having your heart health checked and make sure the other women in your life know these signs and symptoms as well. The quality of care and scope of understanding surrounding women’s health will continue to improve, but in the meantime, it is up to all of us to keep the women in our lives healthy and heard.
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