Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year?
Over 60 million women (44%) in the U.S. are living with some form of heart disease. It affects women of all ages — from pregnancy to later in life, to post-menopausal.
Heart failure, a more specifically diagnosed heart condition, affects more than 2.5 million women. It’s the leading reason of hospitalization for women over 65.
If you think you have experienced symptoms of heart failure or have been diagnosed with heart failure — we’re here to help.
What is Heart Failure
Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition. The heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s need for blood and oxygen. Essentially, the heart can’t keep up with its workload.
The condition has many different causes that result in abnormal heart functions. If left untreated, heart failure will progress to a heart attack or stroke — regardless of gender.
Heart failure is typically not due to a single cause. Instead — there are several factors that if present together, over time, will lead to a worsening of the heart’s condition and ability to function. The specific factors that researchers have found to be particular markers for heart failure in women:
- Diabetes
- Emotional stress and depression
- Smoking
- Physical Inactivity
- Menopause
- Pregnancy Complications
- Family genetics
- inflammatory diseases
Half of Women Having Heart Attacks Present None of the Typical Male Symptoms
Women’s Hearts Are Two-Thirds the Size of Men’s
64% of Women Who Die Suddenly of Coronary Heart Disease Show No Prior Symptoms
Heart Failure Warning Signs More Subtle in Women
Compared to men, women tend to have symptoms more often when resting, or even when asleep. Emotional stress can play a role in triggering one or more symptoms. Early symptoms of heart failure in women may include:
- Pain in neck, jaw, throat, or upper abdomen
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cold Sweats
- Extreme fatigue
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Fluid weight gain often associated with swelling
- Trouble breathing when lying down
According to Dr. Stalam, a clinical cardiologist at Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care, “There are different types of heart failure.
“If you’re noticing swelling in your legs, shortness of breath with exertion or while sleeping — those are all symptoms of concern. Reach out and make an appointment with a cardiologist right away.
“We have quick tests, something called an echo, to look at your heart function. It’s important to recognize these symptoms and talk to a cardiologist about them,” urges Dr. Stalam.
This is especially important for women to be aware of as they reach menopause and age beyond. Up until menopause, a women’s estrogen levels serve as added protection to certain heart risk factors. After the onset of menopause, women catch up with men in terms of heart disease and may surpass them. Some heart risk factors become more pronounced for women as they age.
Don’t Wait
At Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care, we are here to help maintain healthy hearts. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve your quality of life with heart failure.
Most importantly, we’ve learned that prevention is the best treatment of all. Learn more at CardiacCare.CooperandInspira.org.
