Women and Heart Disease

There is a misconception that heart disease is a man’s disease, when in reality it is a leading cause of death among Canadian women.  Women are also less likely than men to survive a heart attack or recover from heart surgery, yet the basis for diagnosis and treatment of heart disease remains geared towards men.

“Physicians and the general public are being educated that women may present with symptoms of heart disease that are quite distinct from that of men,” says Dr. George Vertes, Cardiologist at The Scarborough Hospital. “The reason for this is not clear, but obviously the diagnosis of heart disease must be entertained and investigated thoroughly regardless of sex.”

Since women’s hearts differ from men’s in both their size and rhythm, it makes sense that the signs, symptoms and risk factors of heart disease between men and women differ as well.

For example, during or prior to a heart attack, women tend to experience subtle, non-severe symptoms unlike the typical crushing chest pain experienced by many men.

Some signs that a woman might be suffering a heart attack include:
• Discomfort in the upper body
• Pain in the shoulders, upper back, abdominal area or neck
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Unusual fatigue

Due to the nature of heart attack symptoms associated with women, and the fact that women generally suffer heart attacks later in life, it’s common to mistake the oncoming attack for a panic disorder or an age-related illness. In some cases, the symptoms aren’t recognized as being related to heart disease at all.

Risk factors for heart disease that affect women include stress or depression, smoking, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Women who experience low levels of estrogen following menopause can also be at risk for heart disease.

Unfortunately, women remain under-represented in heart disease related research, and more work must be done to build awareness.

Heart disease is a serious health concern for many Canadians, but there are preventative measures both men and women can take to reduce their risk:
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
• Quit, or do not start, smoking
• Enjoy a diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol and salt

Great reasons to check your blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as the silent killer, and it is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, five million Canadians, or 19 per cent of the adult population, have high blood pressure and 17 per cent are unaware of their condition.

“Along with hypertension, other risks such as diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol can increase your risk of complications of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries,” explains Dr. George Vertes, Cardiologist at The Scarborough Hospital. “If you do have hypertension, there are effective and safe medications that can lower your blood pressure and improve the risk of developing problems.

“Maintaining your blood pressure is an essential part of maintaining your well being. Diet, exercise and other healthy lifestyle choices can impact your blood pressure and should be discussed with your doctor.”

Other points to remember:

1. High blood pressure is the leading risk for death in women and the second leading risk of death for men. Awareness can help you fight this illness.
2. Hypertension can increase your risk of eye damage, kidney failure, sexual dysfunction, heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
3. High blood pressure is dependent on your age, diet, alcohol consumption, level of exercise and stress.

If you aren’t at risk of developing hypertension, you should get your blood pressure checked once every five years anyway. If you are at risk, getting checked once every year is recommended.

Seven ways to stay heart healthy

With temperatures dropping below zero, it can be challenging to stay heart healthy during the winter months. Cold weather can have a negative effect on your body, working harder to keep up its core temperature. Arteries can constrict to conserve heat, which can be bad news for those who already have heart problems.

Fortunately, there is something you can do to help your body during these cold months. You can be heart healthy.

Being heart healthy means eating well and staying active. Dr. George Vertes, a cardiologist at The Scarborough Hospital, explains the many things you can do to be conscious of the needs of your heart:

1. Visit your doctor for an annual check-up to monitor your risk for heart disease. Be aware of your family history and keep track of your blood sugar levels, cholesterol profile and blood pressure.
2. Reduce your exposure to stressful situations. Remember to take time to unwind before or after a stressful day. Do the things that help you relax. Yoga is also a great way to reduce your stress level.
3. Eat vegetables and fruit every day. Eat foods that are low in saturated fats and sodium, and lean cuts of meats. If possible, plan your meals ahead and be conscious of what you are eating when at a restaurant. A heart healthy diet is always a wise choice.
4. Smoking can negatively affect your health and the health of those around you. Being exposed to cigarette smoke can cause plaque build-up in your arteries, limit the amount of oxygen in your blood and increase your risk of developing blood clots.
5. Get some physical activity each day. Take advantage of local or company gyms to do cardio workouts or participate in group fitness classes.
6. Do not overeat. Don’t put your body under the stress of the latest unhealthy diet trend. Keep track of your waist circumference, weight and BMI and know whether you’re in the healthy weight range for your height and gender.
7. Contact your doctor if you have any of these warning signs of heart disease, such as chest discomfort or undue shortness of breath.