Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, for both men and women. This fact is surprising to some people, because the perception is that men die of heart disease, and women die of cancer. In truth, according to the American Heart Association, 90% of women experience one or more elevated risk factors for heart disease during their lifetimes. 

Heart disease is a broad term describing a range of conditions that can affect the heart. It can include conditions that affect the vessels of the heart, such as coronary artery disease, conditions related to irregular heart rhythms, congenital heart defects,  diseases of the valves or muscle of the heart, or infections of the heart. Any of these conditions can cause heart failure, heart attack, aneurysm, stroke, peripheral artery disease, or sudden cardiac arrest. 

Risk factors for heart disease include untreated diabetes, obesity, smoking, high levels of stress, and excessive use of alcohol and caffeine. It is important to keep an eye on certain health markers as a person ages, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels, to be aware of how healthy the heart is.  

Signs and symptoms of heart failure and stroke

The symptoms of a heart attack in men are fairly well known. For women, a heart attack may present with those same symptoms, or with some lesser known symptoms. For this reason, some women who experience a heart attack may not call 9-1-1 early in the episode, because they feel they are just tired or have an upset stomach. 

According to the American Heart Association, the signs of a heart attack that warrant an immediate 9-1-1 call or trip to the emergency room are: 

“Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort.
But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.”

The signs and symptoms of a stroke are:

“Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Sudden severe headache with no known cause” 

Healthy Heart Tips

Not surprisingly, the foundations of a healthy life are the foundations for a healthy heart as well. Focus on these pillars daily to reduce your risks and keep your heart healthy.

1. Nourish. Your fuel is important. The buildup of plaque in the arteries is a major risk factor for heart disease, and choosing your food wisely can reduce this risk. Eating real food, including healthy fats rather than manufactured trans fats, along with plenty of vegetables and fiber, can help. Excess sugar, alcohol, manufactured fats, simple carbohydrates, and smoking all contribute to poor heart health. 
2. Hydrate. Your body needs water. Adequate hydration throughout the day can help prevent overeating, as sometimes people mistake thirst for water. Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine can increase your risk of heart disease. Having water be your beverage of choice keeps things simple in that regard. 
3. Sleep. Research continues to uncover links between poor health and poor sleep, including poor heart health. Lack of sleep can contribute to high blood pressure, inactivity, and stress, all of which elevate your risk factors for heart disease. Consistent high-quality sleep is not a luxury or an indulgence—it is foundational for health. Sleep heals, restores, and is vital in processing and regulating hormones that account for many aspects of health, including metabolism and mental health. 
4. Move. Your heart is a muscle, and muscles maintain their strength when they are used. Contrary to past messaging about exercise, you don’t need to be maxing yourself out every time you exercise. Simply adding a walk or two every day benefits your heart. Find ways to move that feel playful and joyful, and indulge yourself with those things. Our bodies are made to move, and you’ll reap the benefits for your heart, lungs, metabolism, muscles, bones, and mental health. 
5. Connect. Managing stress is a key component of reducing your risks of heart disease. Finding ways to identify your values, affirm your goals, live in the present, and connect with loved ones are essential to helping process the stress of everyday living. Daily practices of meditation and journaling, creative outlets such as art and music, and time outdoors in nature can all be restorative. Reach out for help if you feel a therapist can help you process current or past stress.  

For far too long, women’s health has taken a back seat, in detection, research, and treatment. At TruBalance and Natural State Health Center, we’re working to bring you the knowledge you need to take your health seriously, and to be equipped and inspired to work towards vitality and vibrance. Whether you need support for weight loss that works, pain relief, nutrition counseling, lifestyle coaching, or other support for healthcare needs, we are here for you.