Signs that are often missed

Cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of mortality in women, with an incidence 16 times higher than breast cancer. Yet, only a small percentage of our female population is aware that heart disease is their leading cause of death, posing a humongous risk from heart attacks and other cardiac conditions.

A recent study reveals, despite a clutch of risk factors, only 50% of women under the age of 55 who experienced a heart attack, ever thought they were at risk. Better awareness can save lives.

While chest discomfort or pressure remains the key indicator of a heart attack in both men and women, there are other signs which are often missed among women. For instance, women are more likely to feel nauseated, throw up or suffer from respiratory distress. They might have a transient back or neck discomfort which is often unlikely to be perceived as a sign of a heart attack.

Some heart attack symptoms are more common among women:

Pain in neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or upper stomach

Pain in one or both arms

Feeling breathless

Nausea

Vomiting

Feeling lightheaded

Dizziness

Sweating

Unusual fatigue

Heartburn

In comparison with men, women are more likely to experience a heart attack despite not having any notable arterial blockage, a condition called nonobstructive coronary artery disease. Conversely, women tend to develop blockages in smaller arteries supplying the heart, known as small vessel heart disease or coronary microvascular disease.

Some common cardiac conditions affecting women:

Coronary artery disease or CAD: Blockage or narrowing of coronary arteries.

Myocardial infarction or heart attack: When flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked.

Hypertension: Unusually high blood pressure that might lead to cardiac issues.

Heart failure: Caused by the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently.

Atrial fibrillation: An irregular heartbeat that raises the risk of heart problems and stroke.

Broken heart syndrome: Weakening of heart muscles precipitated by stress that could

lead to a heart attack.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD): An infrequent yet fatal condition when a

coronary artery tear brings on causes similar to a heart attack.

Stroke: Heart disease and hypertension are often linked to strokes.

Pulmonary hypertension

Deep vein thrombosis & pulmonary embolism

Gestational Hypertension

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Apart from common risk factors women are more vulnerable to following

High cholesterol level

Diabetes

Gestational diabetes

Hypertension

Menopause

Obesity & sedentary lifestyle

Smoking

Autoimmune disease

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

OC Pills & hormone replacement therapy

Late medical consultation