Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women worldwide. However, research indicates that men and women exhibit unique symptoms and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Despite this, women are still largely evaluated for heart disease using the same measures as men. As a result, it is not uncommon for women to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, leading to serious consequences. With heart disease being such a prevalent and deadly condition, it is critical that we begin to screen women differently in order to identify and treat heart disease effectively. In this article, we will explore the reasons why we need to screen women differently for heart disease and what proactive measures can be taken to reduce the incidences of misdiagnosis and improve outcomes for women.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association urges for better screening practices for women, incorporating non-biological factors, social determinants of health, and menstrual cycle history. The statement suggests that doctors must consider more than traditional risk factors like blood pressure, smoking status, and cholesterol when assessing female patients’ risk for heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States.
According to the AHA statement, non-biological factors consist of lifestyle, dietary habits, and socioeconomic status. Social determinants of health are non-medical conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that influence a wide range of health risks and outcomes. Other non-biological factors that doctors need to consider when looking at female patients’ cardiovascular disease risk include pregnancy-related conditions, menstrual cycle history, types of birth control and hormone replacement therapy used, history of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), autoimmune disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The statement says that all these factors should be taken into account because language barriers, discrimination, acculturation, and healthcare access disproportionately affect women of underrepresented races and ethnicities, creating higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and significant medical care challenges.
Social determinants of health have an impact on heart health, which comes down to stress. Chronic stress and other factors that affect cardiovascular outcomes are important for women’s overall health. The particulate components of air pollution are extremely important in influencing cardiovascular disease, and that’s a very, very strong social determinant that has been quantified.
Additionally, low income, low occupation, low education, and smoking have been associated with higher odds of forgoing healthcare, which predicts adverse health-related consequences. Access to nutritious foods, having safe neighborhoods for exercise, and activities have an impact on cardiovascular health.
In conclusion, doctors must consider non-biological factors, social determinants of health, and menstrual cycle history when assessing women’s cardiovascular disease risk. The majority of heart disease is preventable, and it’s crucial for women and everyone to be on top of their risk factors and see their doctor regularly. Co-creating a treatment plan with the doctor that works for the patient is crucial, and addressing negative non-biological factors and social determinants of health is essential for better prevention of cardiovascular disease.
In conclusion, the issue of heart disease among women is often overlooked and underdiagnosed. Women have different risk factors and symptoms than men, and their overall health can affect how their heart functions. It is crucial that healthcare providers recognize these differences and develop screening and diagnostic tools specifically tailored for women. By doing so, we can improve early detection and treatment outcomes, ultimately reducing the devastating impact of heart disease on women’s lives. Let us prioritize and advocate for more gender-specific research, education, and awareness to ensure women receive the best possible care for their heart health. Together, we can make a significant difference in promoting heart-healthy lifestyles and preventing unnecessary loss of lives among women.
