Women’s Heart Health: Understanding the Relation Between Stress and Heart Attack

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States. However, both the causes and effects of heart disease vary by sex. For example, men and women may have different responses to stress, a significant risk factor for cardiac issues. Several studies suggest that the association between psychosocial stress and Coronary heart disease (CHD) may be stronger in women than in men.

According to new research, women are exposed to many psychological stressors that men are not exposed to. Another study released by the American Psychological Association found that women are more likely to document higher levels of stress and associated symptoms than men are. 

One study, conducted by Drexel University (ref. Link ) in the United States, discovered a 21% increased risk of coronary heart disease in women who experience high levels of stress from both their job and their social relationships.

This article provides a brief overview of why stress can increase the risk of heart disease for women, and what can be done to avoid this.

How Stress Affects Women’s Hearts?

According to the American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America” survey, Women are likely to report higher levels of stress than men. A scientific statement published in Circulation by the American Heart Association (AHA) states that when women are exposed to stressors, their risk of heart attack is significantly higher than that of men in a similar situations. When one is exposed to a stressor, the “fight-or-flight” response is activated, thereby triggering a cascade of hormones and chemicals that increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and decrease HRV. If this response is triggered at an excessive rate, it can lead to heart disease. 

Heart attack symptoms for women:

The most common symptom of heart attack that men experience is chest pain. On the other hand, women often describe a heart attack as feeling pressure in the chest rather than pain.

Other symptoms of Heart Attack that women commonly experience:

• Pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulders, upper back, or upper abdomen.
• Breathlessness
• Pain in one or both arms
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Lightheadedness or dizziness Unusual fatigue
• Heartburn
• Fatigue

Emotional stress may play a role in the onset of heart attack symptoms for women. As a woman’s heart attack symptoms may differ from a man’s, women may be diagnosed with heart disease less frequently than men. Women are more likely to suffer a heart attack without a severe artery blockage (nonobstructive coronary artery disease).

Tips to combat Stress:

Always seek medical help if you have difficulty managing stress.

Here are few activities that can help you tackle stress :

• Work out outdoors – Outdoor activity is the ultimate stress reliever. A brisk walk outdoors or a sprint around the block will reduce your stress. Spending time in nature releases feel good hormones called endorphins and slows your heart rate.
• Listening to music – According to the APA, both men and women cite exercising and listening to music as their primary stress-relieving activities. Music is a great way for relaxation and stress management.
• Calming the mind – Yoga and meditation promotes both mental and physical relaxation, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. Yoga asanas help you focus in the present moment and centre your mind. It reduces blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, breathing exercises help calm the mind and improve sleep quality.
•     Get social: According to a survey conducted by the APA, women are more likely to report that social activities like spending time with family or friends help them relax. Reach out to near and dear ones for support and connect with like-minded people.

It’s important to know how stress impacts heart disease especially in women. Stress can also make you tempted to indulge in unhealthy habits like binge eating, excess consumption of alcohol, or smoking. This may lead to obesity, high blood pressure, or an increase in cholesterol levels, all of which are the risk factors for heart disease. Try to include healthy habits like exercise and meditation to manage stress.

Understanding the impact of stress on women’s heart health is the first step. The next step is to know exactly how you’re impacting your heart by using a smart heart monitor that gives you detailed, accurate data on your cardiac functioning.. Purchase the revolutionary Frontier X2 and be on your way to a healthier tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are the risk factors for heart disease in women?

A: Some common risk factors for heart disease in women include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, and being overweight or obese.

How does heart disease present differently in women compared to men?

A: Heart disease symptoms in women can be more subtle and may include fatigue, shortness of breath, and upper body discomfort. Some women may not experience any chest pain at all during a heart attack.

Q: What are the signs of a heart attack in women?

A: Signs of a heart attack in women can include chest pain or discomfort, upper body discomfort (such as pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach), shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or vomiting, and lightheadedness or dizziness.

Q: Can heart disease be prevented in women?

A: Yes, heart disease can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and taking prescribed medications as directed can also help to prevent heart disease.

Q: What should women do if they think they’re having a heart attack?

A: If you think you’re having a heart attack, call your local emergency number immediately. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Chew and swallow an aspirin, unless you are allergic to aspirin or have been told by your doctor never to take aspirin.

Other Heart Health Topics To Explore:

Heart Rate Variability | Stress impact on Women’s Heart | Arrhythmia Causes | Mental Stress | Heart Attack Symptoms | Heart Palpitations Causes | Increased Heart rate | Heart Health | Heart Attack Causes | Best ECG Monitors

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