Heart disease is one of those conditions that most people associate with men. And while it is true that heart disease is a serious problem for men, it is the leading cause of death for women as well. Despite this, heart disease is not the priority when it comes to women’s health. Many women do not realize they are at risk, or they mistake the symptoms for something less serious. This article dives into why cardiovascular health should be highlighted, what makes women’s heart risks unique, and how to prevent heart disease – all from the perspective of an expert cardiologist in Orchard Singapore.
It is more common than you think
When you think about heart disease, it is easy to imagine a man clutching his chest, but the reality is that heart disease kills just as many women. In fact, one in three women die from heart disease each year. It is a huge problem in Singapore, but the scary part is that it is often overlooked. Women can have very different symptoms than men when it comes to heart attacks, and because of that, many women do not even realize they are having a heart attack until it is too late.
For example, while chest pain is the classic symptom of a heart attack, women may experience things like nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, or even pain in the jaw or back. These symptoms are often mistaken for something else, like indigestion or stress, so it is easy for heart disease to go unnoticed. And on top of that, women often are not treated as aggressively as men when it comes to heart disease, which can lead to worse outcomes.
What makes women’s risk of heart disease different?
One big factor is the way hormones affect women’s cardiovascular health. During a woman’s reproductive years, estrogen provides some protection against heart disease. It also helps keep blood vessels flexible and supports healthy cholesterol levels. But when women go through menopause and their estrogen levels drop, the risk of heart disease increases. This means that after menopause, women are more likely to develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other issues that can lead to heart disease.
If you have ever been pregnant or known someone who has, you might know that some pregnancy-related conditions can have long-term effects on heart health. For example, women who experience preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) or gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease later in life. These conditions are often thought of as temporary, but they can lead to long-term health problems. That is why it is important to take any pregnancy complications seriously and to monitor heart health even after giving birth.
Mental health is another important factor when it comes to heart disease. Women are more likely than men to experience depression and anxiety, and research shows that these conditions are linked to a higher risk of heart disease. The stress and emotional strain that women often deal with—whether it is from work, family, or social pressures—can also take a toll on the heart. Chronic stress leads to higher blood pressure, inflammation, and other issues that increase the risk of heart disease.
It is not just about mental health, though. In Singapore, women are often the primary caregivers in families, which means they take the heavy role of balancing a lot of responsibilities. This can lead to burnout and stress, both of which are bad for heart health.
Other known risk factors
In addition to hormonal changes, pregnancy complications, and mental health issues, women face the same risk factors for heart disease as men for lifestyle choices like smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise. But women are often more affected by these risk factors. For instance, women who smoke are at a higher risk of heart disease than men who smoke, and obesity is a bigger problem for women’s cardiovascular health than men’s.
What are the symptoms of heart disease in women?
Some common ones include:
– Unexplained fatigue or tiredness
– Shortness of breath
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Pain or discomfort in the back, jaw, neck, or stomach
These symptoms can be easy to brush off as something less serious, like indigestion or stress, and that is part of why women are less likely to seek help when they are having a heart attack. If you ever experience these symptoms – especially if they come on suddenly or are out of the ordinary – do not ignore them. It is always better to get checked out and rule out any serious problems than to wait and hope it goes away.
Preventing heart diseases
The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable, and there are a few key things women can do to reduce their risk.
One of the most important steps you can take is to eat a heart-healthy diet. This means focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reducing your intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and unhealthy fats can help keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check.
Exercise is another crucial part of heart disease prevention. Physical activity helps lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and manage weight. It is also a great way to relieve stress. The American Heart Association recommends at least 2 hours and 50 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or an hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week. That might sound like a lot, but it is really just about getting in the habit of being active. Whether it is a daily walk, a bike ride, or a workout class, find something you enjoy that gets your heart pumping.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Finding ways to manage stress can help protect your heart. Consider practices like yoga, mindfulness, or meditation to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. And if you are feeling overwhelmed, do not hesitate to reach out for support from a therapist or counselor. Talking to someone about your stress can make a huge difference.
And last but not the least, if you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, and quitting will reduce your risk almost immediately.
Conclusion
It is 2025 already – heart disease does not have to be a silent killer for women. With the right knowledge, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups, women can reduce their risk and live healthier, longer lives. It is about time to recognize that heart disease is just as big a problem for women as it is for men – and to take action before it is too late.
Cadence Heart – Dr Devinder Singh
Mt Elizabeth Hospital
3 Mount Elizabeth #14-13
Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Tel: (65) 8318 9884
Whatsapp: (65) 6369 8789
