Heart attacks are a major health concern for people, and cardiac ailments, particularly in women, are on the rise. According to the Indian Heart Association, cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects approximately 50% of women. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to recognize the causes that may result in such lifestyle conditions and take precautions to lead a healthy lifestyle.

What you need to know:

Heart attacks in women
Symptoms of heart attack in women
Factors that can lead to heart disease in women
Reducing your risk of heart disease

Heart attacks in women

Chest Pain Symptoms In Women_Activ Living Community

Gestational diabetes, early menopause, PCOS, and preterm delivery are some of the many factors that have increased the risk of heart attacks among women. Here are the 3 most common types of heart attack that women experience:

Coronary artery disease: After menopause, hormonal changes make women more susceptible to coronary artery disease, which is caused due to excess plaque formation in artery walls, hindering the transportation of blood throughout your body.
Heart failure: Heart failure is a condition where your heart gets too weak to pump blood to all body parts.
Arrhythmia: This condition occurs when your heart beats very slowly or too fast. Atrial fibrillation can be an example of irregular and rapid heart rhythm.

Symptoms of heart attack in women

Symptoms Of Heart Disease In Women_Activ Living Community

Identifying the “silent” symptoms of a heart attack, such as undiagnosed blood pressure, discomfort in the chest, heartburn, cold sweats, persistent jaw, and neck or shoulder pain, can help you take early preventive steps. Here are some of the most common symptoms of heart attack in women:

Chest pain

Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in women and men. This pain can also travel to various parts of your body, including your back, neck, jaw and upper belly.

Extreme fatigue

Several women have reported feeling suddenly exhausted before a heart attack. Even simple activities can make you feel burnt out.

Pain in arms

The pain radiates to the arms before a heart attack. This pain intensifies gradually and becomes more severe.

Indigestion

You can also feel pain or intense pressure in your stomach before a heart attack. In addition, expect to experience indigestion, nausea and vomiting.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain can indicate heart problems. You can also experience shortness of breath while lying down. This might get better as you breathe while sitting upright.

Factors that can lead to heart disease in women

Here are some of the factors that can lead to severe heart diseases in women:

Diabetes

Women with diabetes are more prone to develop heart complications like heart strokes and attacks.

Smoking

Smoking is a greater health risk for heart disease. It also raises blood pressure levels, a vital risk factor for heart conditions like strokes and heart attacks.

Physical inactivity

A lack of physical exercises in your daily routine can make you slip into a sedentary lifestyle and increase the risk of severe heart conditions. Therefore, practise different yoga techniques and physical exercises to control shortness of breath and enhance lung function.

Stress

Excess stress over time causes your arteries to tighten and narrow down, which increases the risk of coronary microvascular disease. Consider practising mindfulness activities to manage stress.

Obesity

Obesity increases your blood pressure levels, LDL (bad) cholesterol, blood sugar and overall inflammation. These gradual changes translate into an increased risk for coronary heart disease, strokes and heart attacks. While obesity in men is more likely to contribute to heart attacks, women, too, are not immune to it.

Reducing your risk of heart disease

Take the following steps to reduce your risk of heart disease –

Maintaining a healthy weight

Being overweight – especially around the middle of your body – can lead to conditions such as – high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. It can raise your chances of getting a heart disease. You must maintain a healthy weight according to your height and build.

Eating a balanced diet

You should eat a low-fat, high fiber balanced diet. It should include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit the amount of salt you eat to no more than 6g a day. Avoid food containing saturated fats such as butter, ghee, cakes, cheese etc. These will increase the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood. Avoid too much sugar in your diet.

Regular exercise

Regular exercise will make your heart and blood circulatory system more efficient. It will lower your cholesterol level and also keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. It reduces your risk of having a heart attack. Any aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming and dancing, makes your heart work harder and keeps it healthy.

Managing stress levels

Stress can increase your blood pressure and your risk for other heart diseases. You may cope with stress in unhealthy ways. You may overeat, drink or smoke. Boost your health by finding ways to manage stress. Healthy tactics include being physically active, doing relaxation exercises, practising mindfulness, yoga and meditation.

If the symptoms of heart attack in women feel overwhelming, reach out to a medical practitioner immediately. Eat healthy food and exercise daily to keep heart conditions at bay.

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