Research

Overview - 

The CDC reports that over 60 million women in the U.S. (44%) have some form of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women, accounting for 1 in 5 female deaths in 2021 (310,661 women). Despite this, only 56% of U.S. women recognize it as their top killer. The Mayo Clinic notes that while heart disease is often perceived as a men's issue, it is the most common cause of death for both genders. Symptoms in women may differ from those in men. The National Library of Medicine emphasizes that cardiovascular disease develops 7 to 10 years later in women, but it remains a major cause of death. There's a misconception that women are inherently protected, leading to underestimated risk, less aggressive treatment, and lower participation in clinical trials. The review underscores the need for increased awareness, better identification of risk factors, and improved strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of coronary heart disease in women.

Types -

Coronary Heart Disease - (Most Common)

• caused by plaque in the walls of arteries

• after menopause, women are at a higher risk because of hormonal changes

Arrhythmia - (Common) 

• heart beats too slow, too fast or irregularly

Congestive Heart Failure - (Common)

• heart is too weak to pump blood to other organs

• does NOT mean your heart stopped beating - not emergent

Risk Factors and Reduction -

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease, affecting over 56 million women in the U.S. (44.3%), with almost 1 in 5 of reproductive age. Often symptomless and under diagnosed, fewer than 1 in 4 women (23.3%) with high blood pressure have it under control, and Black women are nearly 60% more likely to be affected than White women. Pregnant women with high blood pressure face twice the risk of developing heart disease later, occurring in 1 in 8 pregnancies (13.0%) in the U.S. Uncontrolled blood pressure poses risks beyond heart disease, including stroke, kidney failure, and dementia. Other contributing factors include high LDL cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, excess weight, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, and depression, as well as women-specific factors such as early menstruation, early menopause, and pregnancy-related conditions. To mitigate these risks, individuals are advised to be aware of their blood pressure, quit smoking, discuss cholesterol and triglycerides with their doctor, engage in at least 150 minutes of weekly activity, make healthy food choices, limit alcohol intake, and manage stress levels.

Gender-Specific Biological Differences - 

• Women have smaller hearts

• Women have narrower blood vessels

• Men typically have plaque buildup in the largest arteries that supply blood to the heart while women have buildup in the heart's smallest blood vessels 

• Diseases such as Gestational Diabetes or preeclampsia produce risk (Women Specific Diseases)

• Diagnostic Tests may not detect signs of Heart Disease compared to men

Signs and symptoms - 

• Heart attack: chest pain/discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath

• chest palpitations (fluttering feelings)

• Shortness of breath

If you have any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Call 9-1-1 right away.