Just for Her: Women and the Risk Factors for Heart Disease
By Emmanuel Yruma, MD, MHA
Cascade Valley Arlington Internal Medicine
Just The Facts
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Worldwide, a third of all women die from it. Most of you fear the risk of breast or ovarian cancer. In reality, one of every three deaths in American women is from heart disease and only one in every 30 is from breast cancer.
Coronary heart disease, which affects the coronary arteries of the heart, is the main form of heart disease. It may begin as early as childhood, develop over many years, and eventually lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, heart failure, and even (if left untreated) death. These are the facts:
- Almost 100,000 women under the age of 65 die of coronary heart disease each year. More than a third are younger than 55
- One in eight American women aged 45-64, and one in three women over 65, have some form of heart disease
- Nearly two-thirds of American women, who die suddenly of a heart attack, have no symptoms
- Within six years of having a heart attack, 31% of women will have another attack
Men Are From Chest Pain -- Women Are From Fatigue and Dizziness
Women with heart disease may have different symptoms than men. Studies have shown women experience nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and jaw and arm pain, instead of the usual chest pain. Women also tend to wait longer after the onset of symptoms before seeking medical attention because they do not associate their symptoms with heart disease.
Though women develop heart problems later in life than men, by age 65, your risk is almost the same as a man's. There are several risk factors associated with the development of heart disease. It is important to be aware of these factors; especially those you can be modify or decrease.
Smoking is a big risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke and take oral contraceptives you are at an even higher risk. If you smoke less than 15 cigarettes per day and are on "the pill" your risk goes up three to five times. The risk rises to 20 fold if you smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day. If you stop smoking you can lower your risk of heart attack by one third within two years.
High blood pressure is another risk factor for heart disease. Women with hypertension have a risk of developing heart disease that is three and a half times that of a female with a normal blood pressure. A low salt diet, regular exercise, weight loss, and stress management techniques can help decrease your risk. If lifestyle modification does not control your blood pressure, your physician may prescribe medications to help maintain a normal blood pressure.
Physical inactivity is also a risk factor you can change. Inactivity doubles your risk of developing heart disease and could lead to other diseases such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Both of these are strongly associated with the development of heart disease. Even slight to moderate physical activity, done on a regular basis, can help lower your risk.
High cholesterol too is a risk factor you can lower with a healthy, low fat diet, and exercise. In certain cases, your physician may prescribe medications, called statins, to help lower your cholesterol levels. It is important to have your cholesterol profile checked if you are at risk for heart disease.
Heart disease is a serious illness. You can prevent or delay it by identifying and modifying each of your risk factors. Certain factors, such as growing older and family history, cannot be modified. However, minimizing others can make a significant difference in your life. If you are a woman who is at risk or who already has heart disease, it is vital to consult with a physician about what you can do to lower that risk.
Heart disease is preventable. Heart disease can be controlled. Now is the time to begin.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.