Women's Heart Health: Understanding Cardiovascular Disease Symptoms and Prevention

Lori Sepich, a 64-year-old from Memphis, Tennessee, experienced two heart attacks 13 years apart despite not believing it could happen to her, highlighting a broader issue where over 60 million women in the U.S. live with cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women, with 1 in 5 women dying from it annually, and experts emphasize the importance of recognizing symptoms and taking immediate action.

Cardiovascular disease, encompassing heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, affects a significant portion of the female population in the United States. More than 60 million women in the U.S. live with cardiovascular disease. Despite a common myth, heart attacks are not exclusive to men; women are also highly vulnerable. Overall in the U.S., 1 in 5 women dies of cardiovascular disease each year. Of these deaths, 37,000 are attributed to heart attacks.

Dr. Sharonne Hayes, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, stated the gravity of the situation. Cardiovascular disease is “the No. 1 killer of women. It will affect you or someone you know.” She further stressed the critical nature of awareness and action. “Knowing what to do if you have symptoms of a heart attack and taking action if you do, that’s really important.”

Preventing heart attacks involves several proactive measures that anyone can implement to reduce their risks. The American Heart Association has outlined a comprehensive program known as “Life’s Essential 8.” This program includes key lifestyle recommendations such as eating better, quitting tobacco, and getting healthy sleep. It also emphasizes being more active, controlling cholesterol, and managing weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

Dr. Stacey Rosen, president of the American Heart Association, advises regular medical checkups. These checkups are crucial for discussing preventive measures and monitoring overall health. It is also important to discuss any family history of heart problems with your doctor. Doctors also recommend discussing risk factors that uniquely or disproportionately affect women.

Women are more prone to autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can cause inflammation, which in turn can elevate the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, women are more likely to experience depression. Depression is associated with inflammation and can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as prolonged periods of inactivity.

Other health conditions linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease include a history of high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy. Miscarriages or stillbirths are also associated with a higher risk. Additionally, hot flashes and night sweats experienced during menopause have been connected to a greater risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.

It is important to be aware that heart attacks in women may not manifest as depicted in popular media. Many people envision a dramatic scene of a middle-aged man clutching his chest and collapsing. However, Dr. Hayes clarifies that this is often not the reality of a heart attack. “it’s not going to probably be one of those Hollywood heart attacks.”

While chest pain or discomfort is a common symptom, it is not the only one. Dr. Rosen points out a key difference in how heart attacks present in women. “What’s different about women is that they are more likely than men to have other symptoms as well.” These additional symptoms can include back pain and shortness of breath. Other signs may involve cold sweats and unusual tiredness. Nausea, lightheadedness, and an anxious feeling can also occur. Furthermore, some women experience jaw pain and finger tingling.

The exact reasons for these symptom differences between men and women are still being researched. Some studies suggest that physiological variations between the sexes may play a role. Another distinction is that symptoms in women can sometimes be more subtle than in men. Dr. Hayes frequently hears a common sentiment from her patients. “I got the symptom and it waxed and waned a little bit over time, but I knew something wasn’t right.”

If you suspect you are having a heart attack, it is crucial to take immediate action. Dr. Rosen strongly advises calling 911 if there is any possibility of a heart attack. “If you think that there’s even a chance that you’re having a heart attack, that’s when you call 911,” She emphasizes the importance of not downplaying potential symptoms. “it’s better to “err on the side of over-concern than err on the side of minimizing something that could be quite serious.”

Medical professionals recommend taking an ambulance to the hospital. Hospitals are better equipped to handle emergency cardiac situations compared to urgent care centers or doctor's offices. Any delays in receiving appropriate medical care can have severe consequences. These delays can be harmful or even fatal. “If you wait too long,” Dr. Rosen stated, “the damage can be more significant.”

Denial about heart attack symptoms can be a dangerous obstacle, as illustrated by Lori Sepich's experience. When Sepich had her first heart attack, she delayed seeking help. She had largely been in denial about her heart problems since being diagnosed with severe, hereditary high blood pressure at 17.

On Easter Sunday in 2005, she experienced extreme chest pressure, nausea, and pain radiating down her arms. “I chose to ignore those signs that day because I was absolutely in shock,” she recalled. “I was scared.” Despite these severe symptoms, she attended Mass and a family lunch and even went to work the following day. She eventually sought medical attention at the ER at her doctor's urging. This led to her undergoing a procedure where six stents were placed and she spent a week in the hospital.

Sepich acted more promptly when she experienced her second heart attack. Her cardiologist discovered a nearly complete blockage in the heart's main artery. She subsequently had another stent placed.

Sepich has since made significant lifestyle changes. She now keeps her blood pressure under control and has not smoked in over two decades. She also engages in exercise almost every day. She strongly encourages other women to be honest with themselves regarding heart disease. “I could justify my actions from denial. I could just be like, ‘Oh, it’s not gonna hurt you,’” Sepich shared. “Well, it does hurt you. It can kill you.”

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.