Women and Heart Disease

 

OBGYNs in Marietta GAIt may come as a shock to learn that heart disease is the number one killer of women each year in the United States. Most people would assume that cancer of the breasts or reproductive system causes more deaths among women because they tend to believe that only “old men” suffer from heart disease. It is this very misconception that continues to put women at risk. One out of every three women will be affected by heart disease, and because it often affects women differently than men it is extremely important to become aware of this disease.

Many women have not signs or symptoms of heart disease, and they are often not diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) until heart failure or a heart attack occurs. Silent coronary heart disease is extremely difficult to catch and puts women at risk, especially those who do not see their doctor on a regular basis.

Other women will have signs and symptoms of CHD which include:

  • Angina (pain or discomfort to the chest)
  • Pain in neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, back
  • Indigestion
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Arrhythmia (fluttering palpitations of the heart)
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen

Angina is one of the most specific differences between men and women. In men, angina often feels like extreme pressure or squeezing in the chest. Women tend to have symptoms of angina in the neck, jaw, throat, abdomen, or jaw, and describe the pain as a sharp, burning pain. Because of this, many women feel as though they may be suffering from something else (acid reflux, for example) and not seek immediate medical attention.

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle are key factors for preventing heart disease in both women and men. Quitting smoking, eating less sodium, solid fats, refined grains, and added sugars are all excellent methods of a diet that is healthy for your body. Being as physically active as possible is also extremely important because it keeps your heart muscle strong because it is being used regularly.

At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A., we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to women of all ages. We understand the concerns specific to women’s health and are dedicated to treating our patients with excellent medical care.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.