The heart is a wonderful and critical organ for the functioning of the body. Every minute it pumps more than five liters of blood, allowing us to live and function properly. Many are unaware that heart disease is a major cause of death among women, and sometimes the symptoms appear in a less typical way, which makes early detection difficult. According to World Health Organization data, ischemic diseases are the second leading cause of death among women in Israel. With age, the decline in the protective effect of the estrogen hormone increases the risk of developing heart disease, therefore awareness of the issue is essential.
The way to reduce the risk of heart disease begins with understanding. Most of the factors are related to lifestyle, and many of them are preventable. Recognizing them, along with performing simple tests and listening to the body, can make the difference between life and death.
Main risk factors
High blood pressure – hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease. Periodic measurements make it possible to detect problems early and take preventive steps.
High cholesterol – high levels of LDL and triglycerides along with low HDL increase the risk of damage to the heart’s arteries. Regular blood tests help control cholesterol levels.
Overweight and obesity – accumulation of fat around the abdomen increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and changes in blood lipid levels, which affect heart function.
Lack of physical activity – regular physical activity such as walking, running, cycling, and swimming improves heart function, lowers cholesterol, and increases endurance.
Smoking – smoking increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular complications. Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk.
Diabetes – women with diabetes are more exposed to heart attacks and long-term complications. Good control of blood sugar levels is essential to prevent heart damage.
Family history and age – these factors cannot be changed, but are important for monitoring and personal risk assessment.
Unique factors for women – polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia increase the risk of heart disease later in life.
Symptoms to know
Women may experience less typical symptoms, so awareness is key. Among the main signs:
· Pressure or pain in the chest, shoulders, neck, or jaw
· Shortness of breath
· Nausea or vomiting
· Dizziness or sudden weakness
· Unusual fatigue or a feeling of unusual exhaustion
· Cold sweat or a general feeling of discomfort
Early recognition of these symptoms allows quick referral to a doctor, correct diagnosis, and preventive treatment, reducing long-term complications.
Recommendations for maintaining a healthy heart
Maintaining heart health includes listening to the body, medical follow-up, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
· Periodic blood pressure measurement
· Blood tests for sugar, cholesterol, and fats as recommended by a doctor
· Balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, and whole grains
· Regular physical activity
· Avoiding smoking
· Daily stress management and stress reduction
· Regular medical monitoring allows early detection and effective treatment, and contributes to maintaining a better quality of life.
Some data
According to Ministry of Health data, about 20,000 people suffer a heart attack every year in Israel, most of them men, but the rate among women is steadily rising. Heart disease is the second most common cause of death in Israel, after cancer, and accounts for about 20% of all deaths. In the ACSIS survey conducted in Israel in 2016, the mortality rate among women from heart attack 30 days after the event was 5.2%, compared to 2.3% among men. This gap is partly due to the older age of women at the time of the heart event, which leads to exposure to additional background diseases.
Additional data show that up to age 50 about 11% of heart attacks occur in women, and when estrogen levels drop (around age 50), the risk of having a heart attack rises until it equals that of men, around age 65. Above age 75, the risk of heart attack in women exceeds that in men. It is important to note that the symptoms of a heart attack in women may differ from those in men, which may lead to later diagnosis. Therefore, there is great importance in raising awareness and early recognition of the symptoms.
In addition, according to updated data from the Israel Cardiology Association, the mortality rate from heart attack among women is twice that of men. Between 2000 and 2016, the mortality rate from myocardial infarction in the month following the event dropped from 9% to 2.9%, but the gap between women and men remained. Women tend to reach diagnosis later due to less typical symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea, and not necessarily chest pain.
Awareness of heart health is a significant step for every woman. Recognizing risk factors, listening to the body, and early recognition of symptoms can improve quality of life and prevent serious complications. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular medical monitoring can lead to significant improvement in heart function and prevention of diseases in the future. Ahead of Heart Health Awareness Month, Maccabi decided this year to focus its activity on women and raise awareness of symptoms, risk factors, and medical recommendations for women. This is critical information for every woman, and attention should be paid to all aspects to maintain heart health and prevent diseases and their development.
Prof. Diab Mutlak is an expert in cardiology and head of the Maccabi Healthcare Services Heart Institute in the Northern District.