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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; however, it does not get the same attention as other health issues. Women are especially at risk and must be aware of cardiovascular disease’s signs, symptoms, and risk factors. Let’s dive into understanding heart health in women so that you can take steps to protect your heart.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women
It’s essential to understand the difference between men and women regarding the signs and symptoms of heart disease. While men may experience chest pain or pressure during a heart attack, women often display different symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, back or jaw pain, extreme fatigue, or indigestion. One must be aware that these signs could indicate a potential cardiac event and seek medical attention immediately.
Heart Healthy Diet & Lifestyle
In addition to understanding the signs and symptoms of heart disease in women, it’s also important to take proactive steps towards a healthier heart lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats will help reduce cholesterol levels, which can strain your heart. Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels through diet and exercise is also important, as high blood pressure is another significant risk factor for cardiovascular events. Finally, regular exercise benefits your overall health and strengthens your heart muscle which can help prevent cardiac issues over time.
What Types of HRT Put Women at Higher Risk?
It’s important to note that not all types of hormone replacement therapies carry the same risks as others do. Studies show that taking estrogen alone—without progestin-educes the risk for CVD in some healthy women under the age of 60 years old. However, suppose you are over the age of 60 or have any underlying health conditions. In that case, it is important to speak with your doctor before starting any form of hormone replacement therapy as you may be at an increased risk for developing CVD or stroke while taking this type of medication.
For other hormone replacement therapies, such as combined estrogen-progestin therapy, evidence suggests that it increases one’s risk for CVD and stroke compared to just using estrogen alone. This is because when progestin causes an increase in inflammation, which is linked with a higher rate of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, among postmenopausal women on combined hormonal therapy regimens.
Taking care of our hearts should always be a top priority! Heart health in women can differ
from men due to differences in symptoms during cardiac events; however, there are many proactive measures women can undertake. For example, life-saving measures include diet changes, regular exercise, maintaining normotensive blood pressure, and being aware of personal risk factors. We all must do our part to take care of our hearts!
