Treating Coronary Heart Disease in Women in Sugar Land, TX

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women over the age of 25 in the United States, but its symptoms can be very different from those experienced by men. Understanding the differences in the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease in women can help you get treatment sooner, or better manage your health to lower your risk. At Reddy Cardiac Wellness and Diabetes Reversal Center, our cardiologists have extensive education and training in diagnosing, evaluating, and managing coronary heart disease in women in Sugar Land, TX. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment of coronary heart disease in women.

Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women

Women are more likely to experience symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness rather than the typical chest pain associated with heart attacks. Many women think their symptoms are mild, or they attribute them to other causes like indigestion or acid reflux, stress, panic attacks, or the flu. The most common symptoms of heart disease or a heart attack in women are:

• Chest pain and discomfort that feels like extreme pressure or tightness or like something is squeezing the heart.
• Pain in the neck or jaw that radiates down the arm.
• Upper back or stomach pain.
• Shortness of breath even when lying down or standing still.
• Coughing or wheezing or the feeling of fluid in the lungs.
• Intense fatigue that interferes with daily activities.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Heart palpitations or heart arrhythmias.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Confusion, disorientation, or an altered state of consciousness.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Women

Many of the risk factors for heart disease in women are the same as the ones for men. However, factors such as pregnancy-related conditions, menopause, and autoimmune diseases can increase heart disease risk in women. The most common risk factors are:

• Smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Unmanaged diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and eclampsia
• Complications of anemia, endometriosis, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory disorders, and menopause
• Hormonal birth control use
• Hormone therapy

Importance of Early Detection of Heart Issues

Early detection of heart issues can allow for timely intervention and prevent serious complications. The sooner you identify risk factors or early signs of cardiovascular problems, the sooner you can begin preventive measures to lower your risk and improve your heart health and overall health. We recommend that you schedule regular check-ups with your primary care doctor and make sure that they have your whole family health history and understand your risk of heart disease. We also recommend regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, especially if you have one or more risk factors.

Treatment of Heart Disease in Women

The treatments for heart disease in women are similar to those for men. You will stick to a collaborative cardiac care plan that incorporates input and monitoring from your primary care doctor, cardiologist, and nutritionist. Treatment includes a combination of preventive measures, lifestyle changes, weight loss, interventional procedures, diagnostic tests and monitoring, medication, and cardiac rehabilitation.

• Lifestyle and Diet – Following a healthy diet, exercising every day, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and limiting your intake of sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt can improve your heart health and overall health. You should also find ways to manage stress and improve your sleep habits.
• Medication – If you have a heart condition and are at risk of a heart attack or stroke, you might need medication to control your symptoms and prevent complications.
• Interventional Procedures – You may need surgical or other interventional procedures to clear blockages in your arteries or repair heart damage.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation – If you have heart damage or a heart condition, a cardiac rehabilitation program can help you heal, improve your lifestyle, and strengthen your heart.

Contact Our Cardiologists Today

Awareness and early diagnosis are key to preventing and managing heart disease in women. Recognizing unique symptoms and risk factors can make all the difference. At Reddy Cardiac Wellness and Diabetes Reversal Center, our goal is to give you greater control over your heart health and ensure you understand your risk level for cardiovascular disease and heart issues.

We offer diagnostic testing and screenings, preventive treatment options, and holistic health care that can reduce your risk of heart problems and improve your health. Our personalized treatment plans include monitoring and improving blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, diet and nutrition, and lifestyle to improve health and quality of life. Call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Reddy or Dr. Khan, or schedule an appointment online to learn more about how to manage heart disease in women in Sugar Land, TX.