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Women’s Heart Health

Women are born multi-taskers. Whether it’s work, your kids, your partner or your parents—women are often at the center of it all. Making life happen.

Women are also more likely to ignore the symptoms commonly associated with heart disease. In the U.S., more women die from heart disease than any other cause, including cancer. And, more women than men die each year from heart disease. Dignity Health Medical Group – Sierra Nevada’s team of cardiologists in Grass Valley works with you to treat and prevent heart disease, by addressing specific concerns and warning signs. 

Warning Signs

Typical warning signs of heart disease include pressure or squeezing in your chest, soreness in one or both arms, or shortness of breath. Along with these symptoms, women may also experience:

  • Neck, jaw, shoulder or upper back pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain or heartburn
  • Sweating and dizziness
  • Unusual fatigue

Risk Factors

  • Women who have high job stress have a 40 percent increase in cardiovascular disease and an 88 percent increase in heart attack risk.
  • Conditions involving chronic inflammation such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis nearly double a woman's risk for heart disease.
  • Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke later in life.
  • Metabolic syndrome is a combination of fat around your abdomen, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high triglycerides. This has a greater impact on women than on men.
  • Smoking is a greater risk factor for heart disease in women than in men.
  • Low levels of estrogen after menopause pose a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in the smaller blood vessels.

Take the Next Step

If you think you’re at risk for cardiovascular disease, don’t delay. Talk to your primary care physician about your risk or symptoms you may be feeling, then ask for a referral to a Dignity Health Medical Group – Sierra Nevada cardiologist. To schedule an appointment, call (530) 390-6008.