We all know that heart problems are likely to present themselves with chest pain, right? It’s true, but predominantly for men. Heart problems in women can be a lot more subtle and often mistaken for non-serious conditions.
Of course, heart disease doesn’t discriminate by gender. Heart problems are one of the leading causes of death in women just as much as in men. But because symptoms of heart problems in women don’t always mimic the classic chest pain seen in men, women often misattribute what they’re feeling to exhaustion, ageing, or common illnesses. This distinction in symptoms means that women may delay seeking medical attention until it’s too late.
Signs of heart problems women should pay particular attention to:
- Unusual fatigue (sometimes weeks before a cardiac event)
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulders, or upper back
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Cold sweats
- Feeling of anxiety
Ladies, if you experience any of these, especially on a persistent or regular basis, have your heart checked. Below are also strategies you can apply to look after your heart. Let’s explore them together.
How to protect your heart
Learn to recognise the signs
Women often prioritise the needs of others over their own. Whether it’s family, work, or community obligations, their health frequently takes a back seat. The response of ‘it’s probably nothing’ is common, leading many women to downplay potentially serious symptoms.
One of the best ways to protect your heart is to familiarise yourself with the subtle signs of heart problems, and don’t ignore persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, or subtle pains in unexpected areas. Gents. If your other half is complaining about these frequently, suggest they take a moment to think about it and consider that it might be their heart.
Know your risk factors
If heart disease runs in your family, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are non-negotiable. Factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and even stress can compound your risk. It’s important to make sure everything is within the normal range and in working order, so that the heart is supported by the entire body.
Advocate for yourself
When it comes to your health, you are your own best advocate. Don’t hesitate to push for thorough testing or a second opinion if you’re not satisfied with the initial approach. Make sure you take time for yourself to rest and recover, and to manage the stress levels. Others can wait. As they say, ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’.
Live a heart-healthy lifestyle
While genetics can increase your risk, lifestyle choices are very important in prevention. Aim for a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Small changes like swapping processed foods for whole grains and committing to 30 minutes of activity five days a week can make a big difference.
Are you ready to protect your heart health?
Every symptom matters, and every delay could have serious consequences. Isn’t it time we all started listening to our hearts?
Let’s all stay heart-happy. For more ideas on how to look after your heart, check out some of our other articles. To find out how we can help you look after your heart, visit our service page.
