Women and Heart Disease - An Overview

Introduction:

Heart disease is a broad term that includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Coronary artery disease (coronary heart disease) is the most common heart disease among males and females. Plaque buildup leads to the narrowing or blocking of arteries supplying blood to the heart muscles, resulting in angina, heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmia. Females are at greater risk for heart disease.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease includes many issues related to the heart. The most common among them are coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attacks. Other problems may be related to heart muscles, valves, and electrical systems. The heart sends the required blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the body. This means the heart provides the fuel the body needs to function well. If there is a problem sending the fuel to the body, it may affect many functions.

Different types of heart disease include:

• CAD (narrowing the heart’s blood vessels because of fatty deposits).

• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

• Diseases of heart valves.

• Abnormal heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).

• Heart squeezing and relaxation difficulties (heart failure).

• Heart problems that are present from birth (congenital heart disease).

• Issues related to fluid-filled sac around the heart (pericardium).

Heart disease is considered the most common cause of death in the United States (U.S.). It was estimated in 2021 that heart disease caused one in five deaths. This was found to be approximately 7,00,000 people. Out of these, 3,75,000 deaths were due to CAD.

What Are the Causes of Heart Disease?

Heart diseases have many causes. Causes are based on the type of heart disease.

These include:

• Scarring of the heart muscles.

• CAD.

• Genetic problems.

• Problems related to kidney functioning.

• Infections, including those occurring outside of the heart.

• Thyroid issues.

• Rheumatic disease.

• Increasing age.

• Injury to heart.

• Heart attacks.

• Some autoimmune diseases.

• Pregnancy.

• Medications- specific kinds of chemotherapy.

• Substances like alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, and others.

• Increased blood pressure.

• Abnormal heart rhythm.

What Is Heart Disease in Women?

The heart disease that occurs among females was found to be unique. Sex-specific differences in anatomy, red blood cells, and hormones are responsible for heart disease in women. These may influence risk factors, symptoms, and other aspects of cardiovascular health.

Researchers have observed that heart disease is the leading cause of death among females. It was observed that heart disease is a silent killer. A study has noticed that only 50 % of females who were under the age of 55 and had heart attacks were aware of the risk before the heart attack.

What Is the Difference Between Men and Women Regarding Heart Disease?

The differences observed by researchers are considered to be at microscopic levels.

These include:

• Anatomy: Women were found to have smaller blood vessels and heart chambers. The walls of the ventricle were found to be thinner among females.

• Blood Count: Women were found to have fewer red blood cells, which makes it difficult for them to carry sufficient oxygen at any given time.

• Cardiovascular Adaptations: Any changes in altitude or body position (suddenly standing up after lying down) may affect women. These changes may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.

• Hormones: Women have high levels of estrogen and progesterone, and men have higher testosterone levels. These hormones influence heart health and overall health. Women were previously thought to be less affected by heart diseases when compared to men. Since 1990, researchers have found that even women are prone to heart disease in various studies. Many of the causes and symptoms are the same for both genders. There are some differences between males and females regarding heart diseases. The difference can be found, especially in heart attacks and heart failure.

Healthcare providers may not diagnose heart disease among women because the symptoms of women differ from those of men. Women tend to be affected by heart diseases that are difficult to diagnose.

What Type of Heart Disease Affects Women?

Women can be affected by any type of heart disease, but the most common disease is coronary artery disease.

Other diseases that are seen among women include:

• Coronary Microvascular Disease: This disease causes chest pain caused by spasms in the smallest arteries of the heart that pinch off blood flow. It may occur during rest or daily activities. This condition increases the risk of heart attacks and other heart diseases. It is difficult to diagnose, and blockages in small arteries are difficult to determine on imaging tests.

• Broken Heart Syndrome: In this condition, strong chest pain occurs. This and other signs appear as signs of heart attack. This may be due to stress caused by strong emotions like anger, profound grief, or surprise. This condition may occur even when women are healthy and is seen among those who have undergone menopause.

• Variant Angina: It is a rare type of strong chest pain observed during sleep.

What Are the Risk Factors for Heart Disease Among Women?

The risk of heart disease increases among women due to some factors.

These risk factors include:

• High Cholesterol: High cholesterol is a risk factor for anyone. Decreased levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) are considered to be more dangerous for women aged 65 and above when compared to men.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Women with diabetes were found to be affected by heart disease. This was observed to be two to four times more when compared to males with diabetes.

• High Blood Pressure: Females over 60 have higher blood pressure than males. Females are less likely to manage this condition. The reasons include:

• Responses to Treatment: Females exhibit adverse reactions to treatment, so it becomes challenging to stay with suitable treatment.

• Sodium Sensitivity: After menopause, it is important to restrict sodium intake as the body becomes more sensitive to sodium.

• Menopause: Estrogen hormones play a role in reducing heart disease. Menopause and surgical removal of ovaries may reduce estrogen levels. Because of this, there is a risk of blood clots, atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol.

• Obesity: After menopause, females tend to be obese, especially when they gain abdominal fat. Abdominal fat is considered to be linked to a higher risk of developing heart disease.

• Lack of Exercise: Exercise tends to reduce the risk of heart disease among females compared to males.

• Smoking: Females who smoke are found to be more likely to get affected by heart disease when compared to men who smoke.

• Autoimmune Diseases: In the U.S., 80 % of females exhibit autoimmune diseases. These diseases, which include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, tend to increase the risk of heart disease.

• Preeclampsia, Pregnancy-Associated Hypertension: Preeclampsia tends to increase the risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, and stroke.

• Gestational Diabetes: This condition increases the risk of heart disease throughout life.

• Peripartum (Postpartum or Pregnancy-Associated) Cardiomyopathy: This condition weakens the heart. This may further lead to heart failure.

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome): PCOS may increase the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.

• Oral Contraceptive Therapy: Use of the pill may increase the risk of developing heart disease. This may be linked to obesity or smoking.

What Are the Symptoms of Heart Disease and Heart Attack in Women?

The symptoms of heart disease among women include:

• Chest pain that may be dull, sharp, or heavy.

• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back.

• Experience nausea or vomiting.

• The weaknesses experienced are unusual.

• Shortness of breath may be felt during physical activity.

Symptoms of heart attack among women vary among males. Both genders generally experience chest pain. Women tend to experience less chest pain when compared to men.

Symptoms of heart attack among women include:

• Experience pressure or tightness in the chest.

• Feel pain in the jaws, upper back, arms, neck, and throat.

• Weakness is felt.

• Experience nausea or vomiting, heartburn, and indigestion.

• Stomach pain is felt.

• Shortness of breath.

Heart disease can be prevented by avoiding and managing all the risk factors.

Conclusion:

Heart diseases can occur in anyone. However, it was noticed that heart problems can differ between males and females. Risk factors and symptoms of heart disease also differ among females. Hence, knowing the differences between males and females regarding heart diseases is vital. Knowing about heart diseases among women may help control and prevent heart disease.