Kathryn Walker-Eich of Shields Township in Lake County, IL survived a heart attack that occurred while running in a Chicago blizzard. A fit and active person her whole life, Kathryn never suspected a 100% blocked left anterior descending artery was on the day’s agenda. Now, with that incident 10 years behind her and fortunately no recurrences, Kathryn Walker-Eich discusses the need for women to pay attention to the warning signs of heart disease in the article below.
According to data released by the CDC, heart disease kills more women in the United States than anything else, accounting for 1 in 5 deaths. As obesity rates continue to rise across the nation, Kathryn Walker-Eich reports that more and more women are at risk of developing cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, and pericardial disease, putting them at risk for stroke and heart failure.
With statistics like this, every woman should be cautiously aware of the risks and warning signs of early-stage cardiovascular disease. Here, Kathryn Walker-Eich explores some of these signs and break down why women are at such a high risk of developing cardiac health problems. With care and attention, you can prevent the number one cause of death in women.
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease and Its Causes in Women
Kathryn Walker-Eich of Shields Township explains that cardiovascular disease refers to a long list of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary heart disease, heart valve disease, and arrhythmia. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, with about
659,000 people dying from cardiovascular disease each year.
The most common form of cardiovascular disease in women is coronary heart disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and blocks blood flow to the heart. This can cause a heart attack, angina, or heart failure, and increases the risk of stroke, blood clots, and aneurysms. Yet cardiovascular disease is not the same for men and women.
Women are often more susceptible to heart disease if they experienced their
first menstruation at a young age, if their cycles are irregular, during pregnancy, as well as after menopause due to sudden hormonal changes. Kathryn Walker-Eich says these risk factors can be further compounded by congenital problems, such as a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or cholesterol, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Early Warning Signs of Cardiovascular Disease in Women
There is growing evidence that many women
do not trust their doctors, making them less likely to seek medical advice when they feel sick. Unfortunately, this hesitancy leaves many women in the position to ignore the early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, allowing it to progress to an irreversible stage.
Therefore, Kathryn Walker-Eich explains that it’s incredibly important for women to learn and understand signs that their heart and vascular system could be at risk. Some of the most prevalent warning signs of early-stage heart disease include:
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Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom of cardiovascular disease in both men and women. It can feel like a squeezing sensation or pain in the center of the chest and is often caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
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Pain in the upper body: This can include pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back. It is often caused by blocked arteries in the heart exerting pressure on the surrounding nerves.
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Fatigue: Women with cardiovascular disease often feel tired, even when they’re not exerting themselves. This is caused by the heart not getting enough oxygen-rich blood.
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Swelling in the legs and feet: This is a common symptom of heart failure and can also be caused by venous insufficiency or peripheral artery disease.
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Irregular heartbeat: Although it can be to track, an irregular heartbeat often feels like a fluttering sensation in the chest, accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. They can perform tests to determine if you have cardiovascular disease and develop a treatment plan to help you reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Preventing Heart Disease
The best way to prevent heart disease is to live a healthy lifestyle. Kathryn Walker-Eich of Shields Township says this includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. If you have a family history of heart disease, it’s also important to get regular checkups with a doctor and to know your numbers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
The Bottom Line
Kathryn Walker-Eich reports that heart disease is the #1 health issue for women in the United States, but it’s one that can be prevented with lifestyle changes and regular doctor’s visits. We encourage you to listen to your body and stay aware of potential warning signs of cardiovascular disease. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
