Things Every Woman Should Know About Her Heart

1.    Heart Attacks are NOT an “Old Man’s Disease”

When people think of a person experiencing a heart attack, many pictures an older male grasping at their chest, but heart attacks don’t discriminate; women are just as likely to have a heart attack as men. 
Moreover, heart attacks are increasingly occurring in younger people, especially women, according to research by the American Heart Association. Their multi-state study involving more than 28,000 people hospitalized for heart attacks between 1995 and 2014 showed 30 percent were young, aged 35 to 54. Further, among women having heart attacks, the proportion of young patients rose to 31 percent at the end of the study, from 21 percent in the beginning.
In short, women are as likely to have a heart attack as men are, and studies show that younger people, especially younger women, make up a growing number of cases.

2.    Heart Attacks Can Look Different in Women

The symptoms of a heart attack are thought to be universal, but women can have different heart attack symptoms. While both men and women may experience classic chest pain and shortness of breath, women may experience unique symptoms like back, neck, or jaw tightness, lightheadedness, and fatigue.

3.    Women Have Unique Causes of Heart Disease

Women are more likely than men to be affected by autoimmune disorders, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which are linked to an increased risk of heart problems. Further, treatment for breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer can also increase a woman’s risk of heart disease. 
Women are also more likely than men to have certain heart problems, like coronary microvascular disease and broken heart syndrome.

4.    Pregnancy-Related Heart Conditions

Pregnancy takes a toll on the female body, and routine checkups are crucial for managing the mother’s and fetus’ health throughout this period – and after. Diabetes and high blood pressure are known to develop during pregnancy in some women, and they can lead to cardiovascular disease which can complicate pregnancies. Some heart problems can even arise after delivery. For instance, peripartum cardiomyopathy, a type of heart failure, can occur anytime from the last month of pregnancy to five months after delivery.

Protect Your Heart

The good news about heart disease is that it can be prevented with some mindfulness and proactive changes. Get annual checkups with a general practitioner or cardiovascular doctor to catch signs of heart issues early on. 
Further, invest two to three hours of your week in aerobic exercises like brisk walking or jogging and eat a healthy, balanced diet with whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. Also, get enough sleep through the night and reduce stress with meditation, yoga, or other techniques that work for you.