Are there some risk factors that are more important to women then to men?
Risk factors for heart disaease goes up dramatically for women after
the age of menopause (on average 50 years old) as hormones
(specifically estrogen) seem to play a protective role with the
elevation of HDL cholesterol, the "good cholesterol." If a woman has
low HDL during earlier years (prior to menopause), this is a
significant risk factor and is probably more significant than the
elevation of LDL or "bad cholesterol"
Since heart disease has been seen in younger women, before the age of
45, with relatively normal LDL’s, testing for the elevation of high
sensitivity CRP (c reactive protein) may also help identify high risk
women.
I have not undergone menopause. Doesn’t this mean I’m safe from heart attack?
This statement has provided many women with a false sense of
security. Unfortunately, it’s not true. More women have
been having heart attacks before menopause. There have been
approximately 9,000 deaths before age 45. Smoking and diabetes can
negate the positive effects of hormones on the cardiovascular system of
premenopausal women. Combined with lack of awareness of cardiovascular
disease in this group of women, there is often a delay in seeking care
for symptoms or symptoms a re too easily dismissed because of the
"premenopausal" fallacy of presumed low risk. After menopause,
women have heart attacks at the same rate as men.
Are symptoms of heart problems the same for women as for men?
The classic symptoms of chest pain going down the left arm does occur
in both men and women. However, women are more likely to experience
subtle warning symptoms of heart problems such as:
Fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath with exertion
Flu-like symptoms-specifically nausea, clamminess, and unexplained dizziness
Pain in the upper back, shoulders, neck or jaw
Feelings of anxiety
These symptoms should not be ignored. If you are experiencing any of
them, call and talk to your physician. If the symptoms are
persistent, seek help.
Are diagnostic tests the same for men and women?
Although the basic tests, such as exercise stress tests, are the same,
these tests may not result in the same level of accurate information in
women as they do in men. Occasionally, to enhance the diagnostic valve
of the stress test, a radionucleotide is injected. This allows
physicians to follow how the blood flows to the heart and helps
increase the accuracy of the testing.
Do heart attacks have the same effect on men and women?
No. Heart attacks, as a rule, are much more serious in women then in
men. Women have a 50% chance of dying versus a 30% chance of dying for
men. Women are also much more likely to be disabled from heart attacks
due to heart failure. 46% of women suffer some kind of resulting
disability versus 22% of men.
Although these statistics are grim, the great news is that with
education, awareness and prevention, these trends can be reduced.
Identify risk factors early
Start lifestyle changes such as diet and daily exercise
Stop smoking
If exhibiting symptoms or having any concerns, seek medical attention.
The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors for
coronary heart disease, which causes heart attack. Some of them can be
changed, treated or modified and some can’t. But the more risk factors
a person has, the greater the chance that he or she will develop heart
disease.
Therefore, as a woman, it is critical for you to know and/or identify
any risk factors and begin, at as early an age as possible, risk factor
modifications and lifestyle changes. If it is determined that you are
at risk, you should never solely depend on medication for protection.
A damaged heart can damage or even take your life. So, start taking
action today to protect your heart. As one woman doctor put it: "Heart
disease is a 'now' problem. Later may be too late!"
Baker-Gilmour
Cardiovascular Institute
3550 University Blvd. Suite 302
Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 Tel: 904-733-4444
Fax: 904-733-5377
Baker-Gilmour
Cardiovascular Institute
11701 San Jose Blvd. Suite 106
Mandarin, Fl. 32223 Tel: 904-880-0025
Fax: 904-880-8573
Baker-Gilmour
Cardiovascular Institute
16 St. John's Medical Park Dr.
St. Augustine, FL 32086 Tel: 904-794-7050
Fax: Call First
