National Wear Red Day highlights heart disease as leading cause of death in women

National Wear Red Day, observed this Friday, served as a crucial reminder of the pervasive threat cardiovascular disease poses to women’s health. According to data, nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 currently live with some form of cardiovascular disease, making it the leading cause of death for women.

Understanding Cardiovascular Health

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Rodrigo Campana of St. Joseph Health explained that cardiovascular health extends beyond just the heart. It encompasses a range of organs and diseases throughout the body, including heart attacks, arrhythmias – irregular heart rhythms – strokes, and diseases affecting blood vessels and extremities.

Did You Know? Nearly 45% of women over age 20 live with some form of cardiovascular disease.

Recognizing Atypical Symptoms in Women

Symptoms Can Differ

Dr. Campana emphasized that heart disease symptoms in women can differ significantly from the “classic” presentation often associated with heart attacks in men. While left-sided chest pain or pressure are well-known indicators, women may experience more subtle and varied symptoms.

These atypical symptoms can include persistent indigestion, burning in the abdomen, or pain radiating to the neck, jaw, or shoulder. Some women may experience symptoms resembling flu-like illness or nausea, and may not recognise them as signs of a serious cardiac event.

Expert Insight: The potential for delayed diagnosis in women due to atypical symptom presentation underscores the importance of increased awareness and proactive healthcare seeking. Recognizing that heart disease can manifest differently in women is a critical step toward improving outcomes.

Taking Preventative Measures

Regular visits to a primary care physician are a vital first step in monitoring heart health, according to Dr. Campana. Doctors routinely screen for key risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Alongside medical monitoring, lifestyle changes play a significant role in improving cardiovascular health. Increased physical activity and adopting a healthier nutritional approach are both important preventative strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered cardiovascular health?

Cardiovascular health encompasses multiple organs and diseases throughout the body, not just the heart. It can include heart attacks, arrhythmias, strokes, and diseases in the vessels and extremities.

How might heart attack symptoms present differently in women?

Women may experience atypical symptoms such as indigestion, burning in the abdomen, or pain in the neck, jaw, or shoulder, rather than the classic left-sided chest pain or pressure.

What are some preventative steps individuals can take?

Regular visits to a primary care physician to monitor risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, along with increased physical activity and better nutrition, can improve heart health.

Considering the potential for varied symptom presentation, how can individuals proactively advocate for their heart health and ensure their concerns are thoroughly addressed by healthcare professionals?