How common is heart disease in women?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both women and men. About 44% of women in the United States will experience heart disease. Cardiovascular conditions are the cause of death for about 1 one 5 U.S. women every year. This is why taking care of heart health is so important for women of all ages.

Why do women have different heart disease symptoms than men?

Women’s hearts and coronary arteries are smaller than men’s, and the plaque their bodies develop tends to be softer, giving women a higher risk for developing blockages in tiny blood vessels. Women’s hormones can also affect their small arteries. These physical differences mean that women often have more subtle symptoms of heart disease – like radiating pain, pressure, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness – that can easily be mistaken for other health concerns.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack in women?

Symptoms of heart attack in women can include pain that radiates to the jaw, neck or upper back; pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen; severe fatigue or weakness; or lightheadedness, nausea or shortness of breath. Because many of these symptoms can be caused by other issues, it’s easy to dismiss them, but it’s best to get checked out right away if these symptoms pop up suddenly and with no explanation.

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Why Women’s Heart Disease Symptoms Are Different

Protect your heart health by knowing about women’s heart disease symptoms

Heart disease is the top killer of women in the United States, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms and take good care of your heart. Too often, people mistake common women’s heart disease symptoms for other, non-life threatening conditions. That’s because heart attack in women doesn’t always look like it does in men.

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