Many people believe that heart disease only affects men. However, it's a major health risk for women as well, and awareness about it is just as important. The number of deaths from heart disease is rising in India, and the risk is also significantly higher among women.

Common risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking. Additionally, women may also have other risk factors, such as gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), stress, anxiety, hormonal changes (especially after menopause), and autoimmune diseases. All of these factors increase the risk of heart disease.

A major challenge in diagnosing heart disease in women is that their symptoms differ from those in men. Chest pain or pain in the left arm is considered common symptoms, but women are more likely to experience atypical angina. These symptoms are mild and often overlooked or misunderstood. Pay attention to these important symptoms:

Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulders, or upper back

Excessive sweating

Nausea or vomiting

Difficulty in breathing

Heaviness in the back or stomach

Heartburn like acidity

Sudden extreme tiredness or weakness

Because these symptoms are not obvious, they are often mistaken for acidity, fatigue, or other minor problems. This can delay timely treatment. Furthermore, many women prioritize their family's needs over their own health, further delaying treatment.

Women are more likely to develop microvascular disease, which affects the small blood vessels in the heart. This makes it more difficult to diagnose the disease and increases the risk of late diagnosis. This can sometimes lead to serious complications even when tests appear normal.

What can be done to prevent it?

Get regular health check-ups (BP, sugar, cholesterol) done

Eat a balanced diet and eat more fruits and vegetables

Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily

Do yoga or meditation to manage stress.

Avoid smoking and alcohol

get plenty of sleep

Why is timely treatment important?
A heart attack is an emergency. It's crucial to seek medical help immediately upon symptoms. Timely treatment can prevent heart damage and increase the chances of survival. Raising awareness about these differences is crucial. Early recognition of symptoms, timely medical examination, and appropriate treatment can prevent serious consequences. Providing accurate information to women is a crucial step in the prevention and management of heart disease. This important information is provided by Dr. Vishal Pingle, cardiologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai.

PC: SaamTV