Women Need To Know About Strokes And Heart Attacks

Heart disease and disorders of the arteries and veins (cardiovascular disease or CVD) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Males are more affected by acquired heart disorders, particularly heart artery blockages, which cause angina and heart attacks. However, it is still the most significant cause of death in women.

Women suffer more severe arterial blockages since their arteries are smaller in diameter than men’s. Surprisingly, women in India are nearly as vulnerable to CVD as males. According to one study, three out of every five women in India are at high risk of CVD in their forties. This frightening figure has risen in the last three years. As a result, knowing the reasons is critical so that women can monitor the prevalence of this condition, thereby preventing pain and death.

The article is intended to empower women to live heart-healthy lifestyles. Connect to the top heart hospital in Hyderabad for heart-related issues because a healthy heart is a healthy life. Continue reading the article to learn about cardiac disease and how to prevent it.

What Is Heart Disease?

Cardiac disease is a broad phrase that encompasses a wide range of heart disorders. Therefore, it is also referred to as a cardiovascular disease, heart, and blood vessel disease.

The most common kind of heart disease in men and women is coronary artery disease (also known as coronary heart disease). It happens gradually over time as a sticky substance called plaque accumulates in the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle. The plaque restricts or inhibits blood flow to the heart muscle, which can result in the following:

• Angina- It is a type of chest pain triggered by a lack of blood flow.
• Heart attacks- occur when a portion of the heart muscle dies due to a lack of blood flow.
• Heart failure- occurs when your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body’s demands.
• Arrhythmia-  a heart rhythm issue.

How Does Heart Disease Affect Women?

Heart disease is the leading reason of death in women worldwide. However, women are not often diagnosed with cardiac disease as fast as men are. This is because:

• Menopause. Women can acquire heart disease at any age, but your risk rises when your periods end, usually around 55. Your body produces more before menopause, which helps protect against heart disease. Estrogen levels diminish during and after menopause, increasing your risk of heart disease. If you stop having periods before the age of 40, you are at a higher risk than other women your age
• Family history of heart disease
• Pregnancy complications include high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and anemia
• Use of hormonal birth control
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
• Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders
• Syndrome of metabolism
• Stress or anxiety
• Physical inactivity poses health concerns
• Obesity, often known as being overweight
• Diabetes
• HDL cholesterol levels are low
• High blood pressure that ranges from mild to moderate
• Smoking

A delay in the analysis may result in a delay in medical attention, which may assist in averting significant problems like a heart attack. That is why it is critical to understand the risk for heart disease and how to maintain heart health.

What Types Of Heart Disease Do Women Suffer From?

Women are susceptible to all types of heart disease. Coronary artery disease is the most frequent type of heart disease in women, as it is in men. However, some forms of heart disease are less common but affect women more frequently than men:

• Coronary microvascular disease is characterized by chest pain caused by spasms (rapid tightening) in the tiniest arteries of the heart, which cut off blood flow. It usually occurs during sleep or everyday activity. This dangerous condition raises your chances of having a heart attack or developing other heart problems. This type may be more challenging to identify since blockages in smaller arteries are more difficult to detect on imaging examinations.
• Broken heart syndrome – Severe chest pain or other symptoms resembling a heart attack. The tension of intense emotions like severe grief, rage, or surprise induces it. Even if you’re in good health, it can happen. It primarily affects women after menopause and usually has no long-term consequences.
• Variant angina- An uncommon type of severe chest pain caused by artery spasms in the heart. During sleep, the discomfort usually follows a pattern. A heart attack is rarely caused by variant angina.

Symptoms Of Female Heart Disease And Heart Attack

Women who have heart disease may have the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort that might be subtle and heavy or acute
• Neck, throat, jaw, upper belly, or back pain
• Nauseousness or vomiting
• Unusual exhaustion
• Shortness of breath (the sensation that you are not getting enough air) during vigorous exercise

Women with coronary artery disease are more likely than men to experience chest pain while resting or performing daily tasks rather than during activity. They are also more prone than men to experience chest pain due to mental stress.

Women’s symptoms of a heart attack may differ from men’s. However, the most common symptom for both is chest discomfort.

Women may have the following symptoms during a heart attack:

• Tightness or pressure in the chest
• Upper back, arm, jaw, or throat pain
• Dizziness
• Unusual exhaustion
• Bloating, nausea, or vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Breathing difficulty and heartburn

Heart attacks are rarely the sudden, dramatic incidents depicted in movies. The symptoms could be moderate or severe. They may begin slowly and sometimes take a break before returning.

Precautions

To decrease your risk of developing heart disease, you should do the following:

• Understand your blood pressure. Uncontrolled BP can result in heart disease. Because high blood pressure has no symptoms, monitoring your blood pressure regularly is critical
• A yearly checkup on diabetes with your doctor is essential. Uncontrolled Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease.
• Smoking increases the risk of heart disease. So, stop smoking.
• Consult your doctor about having your blood cholesterol and triglycerides checked.
• Make nutritious food choices. Avoid saturated fatty foods and sugary beverages.
• Obesity and overweight increase your risk of heart disease. So, check on your weight.
• Limit your alcohol consumption.
• Stress management techniques to reduce stress and pressure.
• Regular exercise to keep your body well and active. 30 minutes of moderate-intensity workout is what you need every day.

Lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring of your health are what you need to avoid heart disease.

Final Words

Strokes and heart attacks are severe health conditions that can significantly impact a person’s life. They are also the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Therefore, it is essential for women to understand the risks and symptoms of strokes and heart attacks and to take steps to protect themselves.

By making lifestyle changes, being aware of the signs of these conditions, and seeking prompt medical attention and regular checkups if necessary, women can reduce their risk and improve their chances of recovery. Connect to the top heart hospital in Hyderabad for regular heart checkups and medical care if required because a healthy heart is key to a healthy life.