Women and Heart Disease: Understanding Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention

Heart disease is often considered a condition that primarily affects men, but it is the leading cause of death in women. Despite this alarming statistic, many women remain unaware of the risks and subtle signs that can indicate heart issues.

In a new podcast of Baptist HealthTalk, Cuidando tu Corazón (Taking Care of Your Heart) Sandra Chaparro, M.D., cardiologist and director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, shared valuable insights into the unique challenges women face when it comes to heart health. The Institute has responded to these challenges by establishing the Women’s Heart Program, led by Andrea Vitello, M.D., cardiologist at the Institute.

Here’s what every woman needs to know to stay heart-healthy.

Why Women Should Pay Attention to Heart Health

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death among women, surpassing cancer. Dr. Chaparro stresses the importance of raising awareness: "We have to reduce the risks as much as we can."

Many women don't realize this because campaigns around breast cancer and other diseases have historically been more visible. "Our colleagues in the oncology group have made a much more visible campaign, and so women are more afraid of having breast cancer. They don't know the risks of having heart disease, which are the ones that have the highest mortality," Dr. Chaparro explains.

The symptoms of heart disease in women often differ from the typical chest pain or arm pain seen in men. Women tend to experience more subtle, non-specific symptoms that can be easily overlooked.

"Women tend not to go seek help because their symptoms are vague, like feeling tired or fatigued," Dr. Chaparro notes. "They tend to present later in the disease process." Fatigue, while often dismissed as a normal part of a busy life, can be a warning sign of heart trouble. "If you feel that you can't do your routine like you did before ... there's something going on. You have to pay attention," she advises.

The Silent Threat: How Heart Disease Can Affect Women

Dr. Chaparro highlights how early heart studies were predominantly male-focused, leaving women’s symptoms underreported.

“Most of the research used to be done on men, and women were not very involved in the studies," she explains. "Women can have a heart attack and simply feel short of breath, abdominal pain, or nausea. There are many other causes that can present like that, but you always have to pay attention to the heart."

Additionally, hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can affect heart health. During pregnancy, women face tremendous hormonal shifts and increased blood volume, which can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like hypertension.

"Some women are more prone to hypertension during pregnancy," Dr. Chaparro points out. She also mentions that there are pregnancy-related heart issues, such as cardiomyopathy, which is a condition affecting the heart muscle that can occur before, during, or after pregnancy. "This process is reversible if the diagnosis and treatment is done on time," she says, "but it’s crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider during and after pregnancy."

As women age, they face an increased risk of heart disease, particularly after menopause. While menopause itself may not weaken the heart muscle, aging naturally brings changes that affect cardiovascular health. "The older you are, the higher the risk of developing heart failure," Dr. Chaparro explains, stressing the importance of monitoring heart health as part of overall aging.

Preventing Heart Failure: Lifestyle Changes

The best way to prevent heart failure is to manage risk factors early. Dr. Chaparro recommends regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and regular checkups to monitor key health indicators like cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. "Exercising, eating well, checking your cholesterol, checking your blood pressure, and not smoking, are all preventive steps," she advises.

Hypertension and diabetes are silent threats that often go unnoticed until serious damage is done. "Hypertension is one of the silent killers because it often happens without you knowing it," Dr. Chaparro says. "That’s why it’s important to measure it regularly."

Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are also major contributors to heart disease. Dr. Chaparro stresses the importance of staying active and making time for exercise every day, even if it’s just a short walk or a dance session. "You don’t necessarily have to go to the gym; you can just walk or dance," she encourages. "We have to be more active and not necessarily leave everything for the weekend."

The Role of Family History and Regular Checkups

Family history plays a significant role in heart disease, but it’s not the only factor. "Some things are genetic and increase the risk," Dr. Chaparro explains, "but you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 80 percent by modifying other lifestyle factors." It's crucial for women to communicate their family history to their healthcare provider and to undergo regular health checkups, which can help identify risk factors early on.

Basic tests like blood pressure readings, cholesterol checks, and glucose levels should be part of every woman’s annual health routine. Dr. Chaparro recommends a comprehensive approach to assessing heart health: "It’s important to talk to your doctor and get a physical exam. Basic tests include checking vital signs, sugar levels, and cholesterol. Based on that, further tests like an ECG, or echocardiogram, can help determine if there are any heart issues."

Diet: A Key Player in Heart Health

Diet is another crucial factor in maintaining a healthy heart. Dr. Chaparro advises women to focus on reducing saturated fats and opting for healthier alternatives. "Saturated fats are not your friends. Learn to read nutritional labels and be aware of what you’re consuming," she says.

While fried foods are common in many cultures, including Latino cuisine, Dr. Chaparro encourages moderation. "Balance your diet with more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains," she advises, also suggesting that the Mediterranean diet is an excellent option for heart health.

Empowering Women to Take Charge of Heart Health

Heart disease in women is a silent threat, but by recognizing the risks, understanding the symptoms, and making lifestyle changes, women can take control of their heart health. As Dr. Chaparro concludes, "The key is education. Talk to your doctor, make informed choices, and take care of your body every day."

Sandra Chaparro, M.D., cardiologist and director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. 

Do You Know Your Coronary Calcium Score?  As part of Heart Month this February, many Baptist Health diagnostic imaging locations will be participating in our heart scan promotion. You may be eligible for a CT calcium scoring if you are 40-75 years old and meet certain cardiac risk factors. To learn more and request an appointment visit BaptistHealth.net/HeartScan.