Women and Heart Disease: Recognising the Unique Symptoms and Risks

Many people are unaware that women’s heart health is just as crucial as men’s, even though cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in women. Despite this, heart disease in women is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, even when women present with heart-related symptoms, leading to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes.

This is why raising awareness about heart disease in women is essential to improving outcomes and saving lives. Understanding the unique symptoms and female heart health risk factors can encourage women to take control of their heart health and seek timely medical care.

Coronary Artery Disease | Cardiology Specialists Melbourne

Unique Symptoms Women Shouldn’t Ignore

When people think of a heart attack, they often picture sudden, severe chest pain. However, heart attack symptoms in women can be much more subtle and are often mistaken for less serious conditions. Women should be particularly aware of the following warning signs:

Unexplained fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Pain in the back, jaw, or neck
Indigestion or heartburn-like discomfort

Because these symptoms are less obvious than the classic chest pain, many women dismiss them or attribute them to stress, aging, or other minor health issues. Recognising these warning signs early can lead to faster diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment.

Risk Factors Specific to Women

While traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity affect both men and women, female heart health risks also include unique factors such as:

Hormonal Influences: Menopause and pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can increase long-term cardiovascular risks.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which are more common in women, have been linked to increased heart disease risk.
Mental Health and Stress: Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress can negatively impact heart health.
Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to the risk of heart disease in women.

Common Heart Conditions Affecting Women

Women can develop a variety of heart conditions that require careful monitoring and management, including:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The most common type of heart disease, CAD occurs when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. This can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and other complications.
Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, can lead to symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and an increased risk of stroke.
Aortic Stenosis and Heart Valve Disease: Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart. Other heart valve diseases can cause leakage or improper closure of heart valves, leading to fatigue, swelling, and shortness of breath.
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): A term that encompasses conditions such as heart attacks and unstable angina. ACS requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to severe heart damage if untreated.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD): A rare but serious condition that occurs when a tear forms in the wall of a coronary artery. SCAD is more common in women, particularly those who are otherwise healthy and young, and can result in heart attacks or sudden cardiac death.
Heart Failure: A condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as fluid retention, swelling, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Women often develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a type that differs from traditional heart failure.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A condition where plaque buildup in the arteries reduces blood flow to the limbs, causing pain and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Prevention and Proactive Care

Taking steps to prevent heart disease and maintain optimal heart health is essential for women of all ages. Routine check-ups with a cardiologist can help detect early signs of heart disease. Regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet focusing on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help prevent heart disease and is great for overall health. Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or spending time outside into your daily routine, and quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake as both are major contributors to heart disease risk.

How Cardiology Specialists Melbourne Can Help

At Cardiology Specialists Melbourne, we are dedicated to supporting women’s heart health through comprehensive, personalised care. Our team of experienced cardiologists in Melbourne understand the unique aspects of female heart health and offer a wide range of services, including heart screenings for women, advanced diagnostic tests, TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation), angioplasty, and other minimally invasive procedures. We also offer tailored treatment plans to manage and prevent heart disease in women.

Heart disease in women is a serious but often overlooked health concern. By recognising the unique symptoms, understanding female heart health risks, and prioritising prevention, women can take control of their cardiovascular health. Don’t ignore the signs—early detection can save lives. Book an appointment with Cardiology Specialists Melbourne for a comprehensive heart health check today.