Symptoms and Risk Factors for Heart Disease In Women
Learn about the unique symptoms and risk factors for heart disease in women, including hormonal changes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and lifestyle factors that affect heart health.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 12th Mar, 2025
Heart disease refers to a range of conditions affecting the heart and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide for both men and women. However, women often face delays in diagnosis and may experience different symptoms than men. Additionally, the risk factors for developing heart disease can vary between genders. Recognising these differences is essential for early detection and effective treatment of heart disease in women. Keep reading to learn more about how heart disease affects women.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease can develop due to a variety of factors, including lifestyle habits and medical conditions. Understanding these risks can help in prevention and management.
Traditional Risk Factors
Both men and women share several traditional risk factors for heart disease, such as:
High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure places extra strain on the heart, causing the heart muscle to thicken and lose flexibility. This abnormal condition disrupts the heart's normal functioning and heightens the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Unhealthy Cholesterol Levels: Surplus cholesterol, a fat-like substance, can accumulate in the arterial walls, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and brain.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can significantly elevate the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Even with controlled glucose levels, diabetes increases the risk of heart-related complications.
Unique Risk Factors for Women
Certain risk factors are specific to women, making them more vulnerable to developing heart disease.
Pregnancy Complications: Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are common during pregnancy and can significantly increase a woman's long-term risk of developing these issues post-pregnancy. These complications also elevate the likelihood of heart disease later in life.
Menopause: While heart disease can affect women at any age, the risk increases after menopause, typically around age 55. Before menopause, higher estrogen levels provide some protection against heart disease. However, with the decrease in estrogen production after menopause, women face a greater risk of blood clots, atherosclerosis,and high cholesterol.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Women with PCOS often develop other risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol, which further increase the likelihood of heart disease.
Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease symptoms in women can differ from those commonly seen in men. Women may experience:
Discomfort or pain in the chest, which may feel heavy, dull, or sharp
Pain in the jaw, throat, neck, upper belly, or back
Unusual fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity, as if not getting enough air
Women with coronary artery disease are more likely than men to experience chest pain while resting or during daily activities, rather than during exercise. Additionally, mental stress can trigger chest pain in women more often than in men.
While chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom for both women and men, women are less likely than men to experience chest pain during a heart attack. Women may also experience:
Pain in the arms, neck, upper back, jaw, or throat
Tightness or pressure in the chest
Dizziness
Indigestion or heartburn
Nausea or vomiting
Unusual fatigue
Shortness of breath
Stomach pain
Consult Top Doctors For Heart Disease
Differences in Heart Disease Between Men and Women
Research has identified several sex-specific differences in the cardiovascular system, influencing how women experience heart disease compared to men. Some key differences include:
Anatomy: Women tend to have smaller blood vessels and heart chambers, and the walls of their ventricles (pumping chambers) are thinner.
Blood Count: Women typically have fewer red blood cells, limiting the amount of oxygen their blood can carry at any given time.
Cardiovascular Adaptations: Women are more sensitive to changes in body position or altitude, such as quickly standing up after lying down, which can result in sudden drops in blood pressure.
Hormones: Higher levels of estrogen and progesterone in women, and higher levels of testosterone in men, can influence various aspects of heart and overall health.
Women are often diagnosed with heart disease later than men for several reasons:
Women are more likely to have "silent" heart disease, meaning they may not exhibit noticeable symptoms.
Healthcare providers may overlook heart disease in women because their symptoms often differ from those seen in men.
Certain types of heart disease that are more common in women can be harder to diagnose.
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Several tests and procedures are used to assess heart health, ranging from basic screenings to advanced imaging techniques.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to produce images of the heart.
Stress Tests: Assess how the heart performs under physical exertion.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses radio waves and strong magnetic fields to produce detailed pictures of the heart’s structure.
CT Scans: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the heart and blood vessels.
Treatment Options for Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease treatment depends on the type, severity, and progression of the condition. It typically involves a combination of medications and, in some cases, surgical interventions to restore heart health.
Medications
The following medications are most commonly prescribed to treat heart disease:
Blood Pressure Medications: Medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers are commonly prescribed to help lower blood pressure, reduce the heart's workload, and prevent heart-related complications.
Cholesterol-lowering Medications: Statins are the most widely used medication for lowering high cholesterol levels. Other cholesterol-lowering drugs, like ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors, may also be prescribed for patients who cannot tolerate statins or need additional support.
Surgical Interventions
The following surgical procedures are most commonly prescribed to treat heart disease:
Angioplasty: This is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked arteries by inserting and inflating a balloon catheter into the affected artery to restore blood flow.
Stents: Stents are used to support and keep arteries open after an angioplasty.
Bypass Surgery: This is a surgical procedure used when arteries are severely blocked or damaged. In this surgery, healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body are grafted onto the heart to bypass blocked or narrowed arteries.
Prevention Strategies
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying vigilant with regular screenings can significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions.
Healthy Diet: A heart-healthy diet is crucial for preventing heart disease. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods.
Exercise: Regular physical activity plays a significant role in preventing heart disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health.
Blood Pressure Monitoring: High blood pressure is a silent risk factor for heart disease, so regular monitoring is essential..
Cholesterol Testing: Routine cholesterol screening helps detect high cholesterol levels early, allowing for timely intervention.
Diabetes Screening: Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease, so regular blood sugar testing is essential.
Heart Health Checkups: Regular checkups with a healthcare provider ensure that any changes in heart health are detected early.
Conclusion
Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and while it affects both men and women, women often face unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to different symptoms, risk factors, and anatomical differences. Recognising these gender-specific differences is essential for early detection and effective management. Prevention through a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and regular screenings, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk
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Consult Top Cardiologist
Dr. Dixit Garg
Cardiologist
10 Years • MBBS , DNB (General medicine) , DNB (cardiology)
Gurugram
Smiles & Hearts, Gurugram
Dr. Sibashankar Kar
Cardiologist
10 Years • MBBS, DNB
Bhubaneswar
Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital, Bhubaneswar
Dr. S B Bhattacharyya
Cardiologist
22 Years • MBBS, MD(General Medicine),DM (Cardiology)
Kolkata
Gariaheart Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Jayarajah Mariappan
Cardiologist
45 Years • MBBS, MD(GEN MEDICINE), DM(CARDIOLOGY)
Chennai
Sooriya Hospital, Chennai
Dr. M Sudhakar Rao
Cardiologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Cardiology
Bengaluru
UMC, Kormangla, Bengaluru
