The Silent Threat to Women: Heart Disease, the Leading Cause of Death Often Overlooked Due to Subtle Symptoms

Doctors reveal that the organ most women tend to overlook is the "heart," along with warning signs that are not typical chest pain, and ways to care for oneself to stay away from the number one cause of death.

Many may worry about breast or cervical cancer, but did you know that "heart disease" is the leading cause of death among women worldwide? Medical data shows women often neglect heart care because their symptoms are not as clear as men's. This article explores why we overlook this and which signs require immediate medical attention.

The "heart," an organ women often overlook until it's almost too late.

Although most women's health campaigns focus on cancer, statistics from the American Heart Association (AHA) confirm that heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined. A major issue is the perception that heart disease is a man's problem, leading many women to skip proper heart check-ups.

Why are heart disease symptoms in women "difficult to diagnose"?

Physiological differences mean women experiencing a heart attack may not always have severe chest tightness but instead show symptoms resembling common illnesses, such as:

• Unusual fatigue: feeling tired even after light activity or rest.
• Acid reflux-like symptoms: nausea, vomiting, or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
• Body aches: pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back.
• Insomnia or anxiety: often mistaken for stress-related issues.

Heart disease risk factors in women to watch out for.

During menopause, decreased estrogen directly affects blood vessel flexibility. Additionally, high blood pressure, diabetes, and lifestyle factors like insufficient rest and chronic stress accelerate plaque buildup in coronary arteries.

How to care for and prevent heart disease in women before it's too late.

• Monitor key numbers: regularly check blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar.
• Watch for abnormalities: don't ignore unexplained fatigue or chest discomfort.
• Adjust diet: focus on a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Exercise regularly: at least 150 minutes per week to strengthen heart muscles.

Women's health care is not just about cancer screening; focusing on the "heart" is key to longevity. Regularly noticing even slight unusual symptoms and getting routine heart health check-ups help reduce risks and prevent serious harm before it's too late.

Source:Parade