Heart disease is one of the most serious — and often overlooked — health risks facing women. It can develop quietly, progress over time, and reveal itself only when damage has already been done. That’s why awareness, early evaluation, and routine care are critical to protecting heart health.
The best way for a woman to know her own heart health, is to ask her doctor, said Dr. Aarti Patel of USF Health Cardiology.
“A physical with your doctor is key in determining risk factors for heart disease,” Dr. Patel said “We start with a thorough family history and then do a full physical exam. We don’t recommend genetic testing for everyone. In time, we might get to that place but, for now, we start with a thorough history. If you have a family member who developed heart disease at a young age, that is something we would need to know because it helps us know if you have an increased risk for heart problems.”
Is Menopause the gateway to heart disease?
The onset of heart disease in women is linked to the onset of menopause. During her reproductive years as a woman menstruates, she produces estrogen, nature’s protector against LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides and promoter of higher levels of HDL (good cholesterol).
The hormonal advantage women have with estrogen’s heart protective qualities begins to wane as they reach their late 40's to early 50's.
Going through menopause and losing the hormonal advantage, means losing some of the ability to naturally diminish harmful cholesterol. Menopause is not the only driving factor of women’s heart disease -- lifestyle and genetics also play a big role in if and when women develop the onset of heart disease.
“We really harp on the concept of staying active and exercising because it does decrease your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and developing diabetes, and it improves your cardiovascular risk,” Dr. Patel said. “The American Heart Association recommends anywhere from 75 to 100 minutes a week of activity. That includes walking, biking, swimming, anything that gets you out there and active.”
Know Your Risk Factors
While some risk factors are out of our control, such as age and family history, some are manageable. Reduce your risk or delay the onset of heart disease by knowing your risk factors:
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diet (high saturated fats and cholesterol)
- Physical inactivity
- Use of tobacco products
- Excessive alcohol use
Know the Symptoms
The most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. For women, the signs of a heart attack may be different:
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual and long lasting (several days) fatigue or sudden
- and extreme fatigue
- Anxiety
- Feeling light headed
- Trouble sleeping or sleep disturbance
- Experiencing pain similar to having gas or indigestion
- Pain that spreads to your jaw or direct jaw pain
- Pain or pressure in the center of your chest.
Enjoy a Heart Healthy Life
Enjoy a heart healthy life. Talk with your doctor about managing physical conditions and creating good habits. Our providers at USF Health are here to help, making life better.