What to Know About Cardiovascular Health in Women

Why Women's Heart Health Is Important

Heart disease is usually perceived as a “man’s problem,” but it is the top cause of death for women as well. A good example is in the U.S.; more than one-third of women’s deaths every year are caused by heart disease, and the numbers soar beyond breast cancer. Many women, despite the facts, still underestimate the risk.

As we grow older, the risk of heart disease elevates with age, specifically after menopause. Hormonal changes (such as falling oestrogen) indicate that women’s risk catches up with men’s as time goes on. However, heart problems can begin much earlier (Adach et al., 2022). High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other risk factors can develop over decades, so it is good to start taking care of your heart as early as in your 20s and 30s.

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What are the Risk Factors for Women?

Women and men share many of the key risk factors for heart disease, but some risk factors impact women more, and some are exclusive to women. Prevalent factors include:

High blood pressure: High blood pressure pressures the heart to work harder and greatly raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes, even though it frequently shows no symptoms.

High cholesterol: High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can accumulate in arteries and initiate heart attacks. After menopause, women usually experience a bigger spike in cholesterol levels.

Smoking: Tobacco is particularly harmful to women’s hearts and notably elevates cardiovascular risk.

Diabetes: Women with diabetes are disproportionately more likely to have heart disease compared to men. Diabetes also elevates the possibility of having a “silent” heart attack, one with little to no symptoms.

Overweight and inactivity: Being overweight or sedentary can increase blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk. Frequent exercise—even something as easy as a brisk everyday walk—provides strong heart protection, especially for women.

Stress and mood: Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression can impact heart health and make it more challenging to maintain healthy habits.

Family history: Having a close relative (parent or sibling) who developed heart disease at an early age elevates your own risk.

Some health conditions exclusive to women can increase the risk of heart disease in the future. Pregnancy complications, for example, like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), are connected to an increased possibility of developing heart disease or diabetes as time passes (Yang & Wu, 2022). In addition to this, early menopause (before 40 years old) and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also connected to elevated cardiovascular risk.

What Happens During a Routine Heart Check-up?

A routine heart check-up is fast and easy. Your doctor will examine your blood pressure, review both your medical and family history, and conduct a fasting blood test to measure cholesterol (including good/bad types and triglycerides). These results, together with your medical condition (e.g., diabetes), lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, smoking, stress), and risk in general, help guide the assessment. An ECG may be used to keep watch of heart activity, and more tests (such as a stress test) might be recommended if necessary.

How to Decrease Risk and Stay Healthy

There are various steps you can take to protect your heart.

A healthy diet—a meal rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and lean meats and low in salt, sugar, and saturated fats—supports ideal heart health.

Stopping smoking and controlling your alcohol intake.

Staying active and regular exercise—for example, committing to 150 minutes of moderate activity every week—aids in managing weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. You can even engage in easy activities such as everyday walking or cycling.

Avoid a stressful lifestyle.

Managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Routine check-ups and managing those conditions properly will decrease the risk as well.

Keeping Your Health In Check

It is recommended for women to get frequent heart check-ups, specifically from 40 years old or earlier if they have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease (Medline Plus, 2022). If you have symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or unusual fatigue, seek medical attention immediately. Initial detection and routine screenings can make a big difference to your heart health.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

When should I go for a heart checkup?

Women should go for a heart checkup starting from 40 years old or earlier if they face risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or a history of pregnancy complications.

How is a heart check-up carried out?

A heart check-up normally starts with a review of your medical history and risk factors, such as lifestyle habits, family history, and any existing medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. The doctor will conduct a physical examination to assess your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight. Blood tests are often done to examine cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and other relevant markers. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be used to evaluate your heart’s electrical activity and identify any irregularities. Depending on your risk level or symptoms, more tests, such as an echocardiogram or stress test, might be suggested to you. The check-up normally ends with a discussion on lifestyle changes to help guard your heart health.

Can women avoid heart disease?

Yes, heart disease is greatly preventable in women, specifically when risk factors are detected and managed early. Healthy lifestyle habits such as not smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and managing stress can notably reduce your risk. Routine checkups are also crucial, as conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes often develop without notable symptoms.

What should I do if heart disease runs in my family?

You can begin by letting your doctor know about your family history, specifically if a close relative (such as a parent or sibling) had heart disease at an early age. Your doctor may suggest earlier or more routine screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, along with tests such as an ECG or stress test if needed.

Schedule an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Taking care of your heart health is one of the most crucial things you can do, and it is never too early to start. If you are feeling tired randomly, experiencing chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or have not had your heart checked recently, it is best to consult a doctor.

To learn more or schedule an appointment for a heart check-up, contact us at your nearest Pantai Hospitals. Our caring team is here to support you with tailored advice and screening to help you stay on top of your heart health. You can also schedule an appointment via our website or download our My Health 360 application, which can be obtained at Google Play Store.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.

References

Adach, W., Ryczkowska, K., Janikowski, K., Banach, M., & Bielecka-Dąbrowa, A. (2022). Menopause and women’s cardiovascular health – is it really an obvious relationship? Archives of Medical Science, 19(2). https://doi.org/10.5114/aoms/157308

Medline Plus. (2022, April 30). Health screenings for women ages 40 to 64: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007467.htm

Yang, Y., & Wu, N. (2022). Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Preeclampsia: Correlation and Influencing Factors. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.831297