WOMEN AND HEART DISEASE
It is a common misconception that heart disease only affects men. The truth is, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. The risk factors for heart disease in women are similar to the risk factors in men and include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and obesity.
SYMPTOMS
With heart disease, women often experience different symptoms than men, and symptoms depend on which type of heart disease a woman is experiencing.
Heart Attack is caused by blocked coronary arteries or coronary artery disease. Many women have reported vague symptoms during heart attacks, including:
- Chest pain
- Back pain
- Heartburn
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat or heart flutters
Heart Failure occurs when the heart can no longer meet the body’s oxygen demand. Symptoms include:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swollen legs and ankles
TREATMENT
Heart Attack treatment depends on the severity of the blockage of the coronary artery. The treatment range starts with management by medication. More severe blockages may require either a cardiac angioplasty or stent placement in the coronary artery, both of these procedures could be performed during a cardiac catheterization. Finally, for the most severe cases a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may be required. However, it is important to remember it is never too early to control risk factors.
Heart Failure is caused by many different diseases, and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on the underlying disease and controlling heart failure symptoms. Prevention is the most effective treatment. Prior to ever experiencing heart failure symptoms, risk factors should be controlled. Early in the disease process, medications may be used to assist the heart by more effectively pumping blood and helping to remove fluid from the body. Also, the patient may be required to make diet and activity changes. If the disease progresses, and other symptoms like irregular heartbeats are experienced, a procedure to eliminate those symptoms, such as pace maker insertion, may be an option.