Understanding women’s risk for heart disease
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease accounts for one in every five female deaths.
Risk factors and symptoms can differ between women and men. Ryan Eckert, MD, a cardiologist with University Health, says research continues to highlight these differences.
“New research shows that women often present with heart attacks in ways that differ significantly from men,” Dr. Eckert explained.
During a recent appearance on Fox 4 News, Dr. Eckert explained that many people still associate heart attacks with the classic symptom more commonly seen in men—crushing chest pain. However, he emphasized that women often experience more subtle warning signs.
“For women, symptoms can include overwhelming fatigue, G.I. (gastrointestinal) issues such as nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, and heart palpitations,” Dr. Eckert said. “It’s very atypical of what you classically think of as a heart attack.”
If you have questions about your heart health, Dr. Eckert recommends starting with a conversation with your primary care provider, who can determine whether a referral to a cardiologist would be the next step.
Steps you can take today to support heart health
Dr. Eckert encourages focusing on four simple lifestyle changes:
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Improve your diet by limiting processed foods
- Prioritize sleep and practice stress reduction