Here's What Heart Disease Looks Like in Women
Heart disease is often thought of as a "man's problem." Before the 1990's, cardiovascular disease was only studied in men, under the presumption that women were not greatly affected. But in reality, 1 in 3 women will die from heart disease each year, making it crucial for women of all ages to understand their risk and take proactive steps to protect their heart health. Learn about prevention in this WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Dr. Kardie Tobb, Cone Health Cardiologist and Clinical Integration Officer for Cone Health Center for Health Equity.
Brenda Morrison, age 64, has always prioritized her family and hobbies. However, three and a half years ago, her life took a turn for the worse when she started experiencing shortness of breath.
"I went in, took a shower--because I was going to take myself to the Emergency Room," recalls Brenda, "I couldn't even holler or get myself dressed." Her daughter called 911. "They wanted me to walk out to the stretcher. I couldn't do it." During her weeklong stay at the hospital, she met Dr. Tobb.
"Brenda is an incredible woman. What was unfortunate in her situation, when we did her echocardiogram--meaning an ultrasound of the heart, which tells me how the heart pumps--it was highly abnormal," says Dr. Tobb "We want that number to be over 54. For her, she was pretty low." But Brenda was open and willing to start a treatment plan to manage her blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication.
Free Women's Heart Community Event
80% of heart disease is preventable. That's why Cone Health is hosting a free Women's Heart Community Event on February 7th from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM to raise awareness about women's heart health.
The event will include:
- Screenings: Blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, cholesterol screenings, mammograms and more.
- Educational sessions: Learn about heart disease risk factors, prevention strategies, and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Guest speakers: Hear from experts in the field of women's heart health.
Unique Risk Factors for Women
Traditional risk factors in men include high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. After advocacy work for the equitable inclusion of women in heart disease research, several additional risk factors have been shown to be specific in women:
- High blood pressure during pregnancy
- Gestational Diabetes (during pregnancy)
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Hormonal changes during menopause
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Subtle Symptoms in Women
Women may experience less "Hollywood-style" heart attack symptoms compared to men. Instead of the classic crushing chest pain, women might experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme fatigue
- Back pain
- Jaw pain
- Nausea
Prevention is Key:
Dr. Tobb encourages women to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, which includes:
- Eating a healthy diet: Focus on colorful, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Regular physical activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Add in small habits like taking the stairs over the elevator or parking farthest away from the building.
- Know your numbers: Make note of your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Prioritizing sleep
- Managing stress
Learn more about living a heart-healthy lifestyle here.
