Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death among women globally, yet it is often under-recognised and under-assessed.
This oversight contributes to poorer outcomes for women compared to men. A significant factor is the persistent misconception that heart disease primarily affects men, leading to a lack of awareness and attention to women’s cardiovascular health.
Symptoms Of Cardiovascular Disease In Women
Women often present with different symptoms of heart disease than men. While men typically experience chest pain, women may have subtler signs such as shortness of breath, nausea, back or jaw pain, dizziness, and fatigue.
These atypical presentations can result in misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Additionally, women are less likely to receive aggressive diagnostic testing and interventions, further contributing to adverse outcomes. Studies show that women experiencing a heart attack are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or dismissed in emergency settings.
Biological Differences Also Play a Role
Women generally develop CVD 7 to 10 years later than men, often after menopause, when the protective effects of oestrogen wane. Despite this later onset, CVD remains the major cause of death in women over the age of 65.
Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, migraine, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis affect both genders, but conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy-related hypertension, and gestational diabetes can further elevate a woman’s risk of heart disease later in life.
Societal factors also contribute to the disparity in cardiovascular care between men and women. Women are more likely to put their family’s health needs before their own and may delay seeking medical attention.
Furthermore, historical underrepresentation of women in cardiovascular research has resulted in gaps in knowledge about how best to diagnose and treat CVD in female patients.
Mitigating Cardiovascular Disease In Women
To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for women to engage in regular health screening to identify risk factors specific to women’s cardiovascular health and adopt preventative measures.
Blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol and blood sugar testing, BMI and waist circumference, lifestyle counseling, family history discussions, and ECG monitoring are all important for assessing and managing cardiovascular risk.
Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, and managing stress, are also essential components of cardiovascular health.
In conclusion, increasing awareness about the unique aspects of cardiovascular risk in women is vital.
By recognizing the under-assessment of heart disease in women and utilizing resources like the Well-Woman Health Screening Package at Kent Family Medical, women can take proactive steps to protect their heart health and improve outcomes.
We now have an experienced cardiologist at Kent Family Medical – find out more here.