Heart Attacks in Women: Recognizing the Risks and Taking Action

More than 60 million women in the U.S. Live with cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Despite common misconceptions, heart attacks are not exclusive to men; women are equally vulnerable. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, accounting for 1 in 5 deaths annually, with 37,000 fatalities resulting from heart attacks each year in the U.S. [1]

Understanding the Risks

Risk factors for heart disease in women can be unique or disproportionately impactful. Women are more prone to autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which cause inflammation that can elevate heart disease risk. [4] Depression is also more common in women and is linked to inflammation and unhealthy behaviors. Additional risk factors include a history of high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy, miscarriages, or stillbirths. Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats have also been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. [1]

Preventing Heart Attacks: Life’s Essential 8

The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” provides a framework for reducing heart attack risk: [1]

• Eat better: Adopt a heart-healthy diet.
• Quit tobacco: Avoid all forms of tobacco use.
• Get healthy sleep: Aim for adequate and restful sleep.
• Be more active: Engage in regular physical activity.
• Control cholesterol: Manage cholesterol levels through diet and medication if needed.
• Manage weight: Maintain a healthy weight.
• Manage blood sugar: Control blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes.
• Manage blood pressure: Keep blood pressure within a healthy range.

Regular checkups are crucial for discussing these preventive measures, monitoring health, and addressing any family history of heart problems. [1]

Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Heart attacks often don’t present as dramatically as depicted in movies. Chest pain or discomfort is a common symptom, but it’s not the only one. Women are more likely than men to experience other symptoms, including: [1]

• Back pain
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweats
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• An anxious feeling
• Jaw pain
• Finger tingling

Symptoms may also appear more subtly in women, waxing and waning over time. It’s important to pay attention to any unusual or persistent discomfort.

Immediate Action is Critical

If you suspect a heart attack, call 911 immediately. It’s better to err on the side of caution. Transporting via ambulance is recommended, as emergency medical services are better equipped to handle cardiac emergencies than urgent care centers or doctor’s offices. Delays in treatment can lead to more significant damage. [1]

Lori Sepich’s Story: A Cautionary Tale

Lori Sepich, diagnosed with high blood pressure at age 17, experienced denial about her heart health for years. She suffered two heart attacks 13 years apart. During her first heart attack, she initially ignored the symptoms, delaying medical attention. She eventually received six stents and spent a week in the hospital. After a second heart attack and another stent placement, Sepich now prioritizes her health through medication, a smoke-free lifestyle, and daily exercise. [2] She urges other women to be honest with themselves about heart disease and to recognize the potentially fatal consequences of denial. [2]

“I could justify my actions from denial. I could just be like, ‘Oh, it’s not gonna hurt you,’” Sepich said. “Well, it does hurt you. It can kill you.” [2]