Understanding Heart Disease: Why It’s the Leading Cause of Death for Women

November 15, 2024

Heart disease is often thought of as a health issue that primarily affects men, but that is a myth. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women and yet it remains an under-recognized threat among women. As Dr. Samuel Congello, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, highlighted on the “Mason City: Docs on Call” podcast,

“More women die of heart disease than all the cancers women have combined.”

This statement underscores the gravity of the issue and calls for increased awareness and proactive measures to mitigate risk.

Why Women Are at High Risk for Heart Disease

One of the most eye-opening points Dr. Congello made during the podcast is that women often present with atypical symptoms of heart disease. While men might experience the classic chest pain associated with heart attacks, women’s symptoms can be subtler and more easily overlooked. “Women often present in different ways,” Dr. Congello explained. “Less typical, less chest pain, more fatigue, more tiredness, more atypical symptoms, more nausea.” These subtle warning signs mean that both patients and doctors need to have a high level of awareness to diagnose and treat heart disease early.

Additionally, women tend to develop heart disease at an older age than men, which contributes to higher mortality rates. According to Dr. Congello, “Because it happens when they’re older, they also get sicker and have a higher mortality.” This delayed onset can mean that women often have more severe conditions by the time they seek treatment, highlighting the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes.

The Role of Genetics and Family History

Family history and genetics play significant roles in heart disease risk for all populations, and women are no exception. Dr. Congello emphasized that family history is one of the biggest risk factors. “Genetics is a very important, one of the most important issues of heart disease,” he noted. While factors like diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and hypertension are also crucial, genetics remains a factor that individuals cannot control.

However, recognizing this risk is the first step to taking action. Women with a family history of heart disease should be proactive by talking to their primary care physician and considering screening tests. “An easy test you can do is a CT calcium score, and that’ll show you your risk of heart disease,” Dr. Congello recommended. Early screenings and discussions with healthcare providers can make all the difference in preventing the first signs of heart disease—which, as Dr. Congello reminded listeners, can sometimes be fatal.

Early Detection and Preventive Measures for Heart Disease

Given the subtle nature of heart disease symptoms in women, early detection is critical. Women should be aware of their personal risk factors, including age, family history, lifestyle, and existing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Regular check-ups and open discussions with healthcare providers can help identify potential issues before they escalate.

Dr. Congello stressed the importance of working with a primary care physician to assess risk and manage preventive care. “There’s risk scores they can do, there’s tests you can get,” he explained. Such preventive steps are key in catching heart disease early, especially since, as he pointed out, “10% of heart attacks—the first sign is you die.” This sobering statistic illustrates why preventive care and early diagnosis are essential.

Lifestyle Changes to Lower Risk for Heart Disease

Modifying lifestyle choices is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease. Dr. Congello mentioned that addressing risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and high cholesterol is crucial. “If you can get their cholesterol very low and treat their diabetes and treat their obesity and get an exercise program and get them on a reasonable diet, often you can regress plaque, you can make the blockages be less,” he said.

Women should be especially mindful of incorporating heart-healthy habits into their daily lives. This includes engaging in regular physical activity, adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoiding processed foods. “Americans are much less active than they used to be,” Dr. Congello noted, pointing to the importance of staying active and making informed dietary choices to combat the rising obesity epidemic.

The Importance of Awareness and Advocacy

Awareness is key to combating the perception that heart disease is primarily a male issue. Dr. Congello emphasized that while the media often focuses on diseases like breast cancer, heart disease should be just as, if not more, prominent in public health discussions. “More recognition [of heart disease in women] is important because it is the number one cause of death for women,” he stated. By raising awareness, women can be more proactive about their heart health and take preventive steps to reduce their risk.

In summary, understanding that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women is the first step in changing the narrative. Women must prioritize early detection, recognize atypical symptoms, and make heart-healthy lifestyle choices. And as Dr. Congello so poignantly put it, “Don’t be one of the 10% that your first sign is to die suddenly. Then it’s too late.” Proactive measures and increased awareness can save lives—and it starts with knowing the facts and seeking the right care.

Our cardiology patients come to us from Albert Lea, Algona, Belmond, Britt, Buffalo Center, Charles City, Clarion, Cresco, Emmetsburg, Forest City, Garner, Greene, Hampton, Iowa Falls, Lake Mills, Mason City, New Hampton, Northwood, Osage, Waverly and surrounding locations.

If you would like to be evaluated by one of Mason City’s Board-Certified cardiologists, and you have a referral from your primary care physician, call 641.494.5300 to schedule a consultation.