Heart Disease in Women is More Common Than You Think

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women (and men). More than 60 million women in the U.S. live with some sort of heart disease. Unfortunately, younger people aren’t immune. While the heart attack rate has decreased in older adults, it is rising among women ages 35 to 54.

The good news is that most heart diseases are preventable — up to 90 percent of them, in fact. The first and most crucial step is to know your risk. And, if you’re concerned about your risk or symptoms, find a cardiologist specializing in women’s heart health. When women receive this type of specialty care, their outcomes are better.

“A lot of people don’t realize that heart disease in women is very prevalent,” says Kashmira Bhadha, MD, medical director of the Women’s Heart Health Program at Memorial Healthcare System. “More women die from heart problems compared to all cancers combined.”

What Increases the Risk of Heart Disease in Women?

Certain health conditions increase a woman’s chances of developing heart disease, including:

• A family history of cardiovascular disease or heart attack or stroke at a young age
• High cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Long-term tobacco use
• Obesity, especially a wide waist circumference
• Previous pregnancy-related concerns, like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or preterm delivery
• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and lupus
• Early menopause (occurring before age 40)

The Importance of Specialized Care for Women With Heart Disease

Memorial Healthcare System has one of South Florida’s only women’s heart health programs. We offer screenings and assessments, diagnostic testing and advanced treatment options, all based on a personalized plan to reduce your risk of heart disease.

The program provides care for women who know they have heart disease and those who might be at risk. “When women feel more empowered to get help for their condition and feel that somebody is listening to them, taking them seriously and providing them with excellent care, they can certainly start taking care of themselves better,” says Paola Casanova, MD, a cardiologist at Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute.

Look Out for These Symptoms

Some warning signs of heart disease are similar in men and women, including:

• Chest tightness, pain, pressure and heaviness
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Shortness of breath
• Pain that radiates from the chest to the arm, neck or back

Women also may experience nausea, jaw pain or upper-back tightness, says Helen-Valentine Chukwu, DO, an internal medicine specialist with Memorial Primary Care. “If you feel you are developing symptoms that could be related to your heart, immediately call 911,” she says. “This is not the time to be shy or deceptive within yourself.”

Take Steps Now to Protect Your Heart

You can protect your heart health when you take three essential steps.

• Talk to your primary care doctor about your risk for heart disease.
• If you have a pre-existing condition that increases your risk, such as diabetes or obesity, do all you can to manage it. Your care team can help.
• If you have concerns about your heart health, make an appointment with one of our specialists.  

Expert Heart and Vascular Care at Memorial

Taking care of your heart is easier when you have the right team by your side. Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute brings together cardiologists, heart and vascular surgeons, electrophysiologists, imaging specialists and adult congenital heart experts to deliver coordinated care across the full spectrum of heart and vascular services. Whether you are focused on prevention, managing symptoms, or exploring treatment options, our specialists are here to help you take confident steps toward better heart health.