Download "Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in Women"

"Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in Women"
The Heart and Coronary Arteries
The heart is a muscle (pump) that contracts (beats) between 60 to 100 times a minute to transport
oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. It is a vital organ. In order for the heart to carry out its
regular, indispensable functions, it needs to be in very good shape. This means that the coronary
arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle must be patent (clear = unclogged).
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) also called coronary heart disease (CHD) is the narrowing of the small
blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. According to the National Heart Lung and
Blood Institute (NHLBI), 1 in 4 women in the United States dies from heart disease; making CAD is
the leading cause of death of women over the age of 25. These statistics imply that more women die of
heart disease than any other major illnesses (i.e. breast cancer, lung cancer, etc…). Moreover, one very
alarming fact is that 60,000 more women than men die each year of CAD.
Figure A is an overview of a heart and coronary artery showing damage (dead heart muscle) caused
by a heart attack. Figure B is a cross-section of the coronary artery with plaque buildup and a blood
clot resulting from plaque rupture. (Picture from NHLBI’s website)
Risk Factors
The non-modifiable risk factors are: Gender, age, family history, race, and preeclampsia: women
who have undergone menopause, those with a family history, as well as African Americans, Mexican
Americans, American Indians, Hawaiians, and some Asian Americans women have higher risk of heart
disease. Women who had preeclampsia during pregnancy are twice as likely to develop heart disease
as women who haven't had the condition. They are also more likely to develop heart disease earlier in
life. The modifiable risk factors include a history of smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes,
chronic kidney disease, stroke, substance abuse, anemia, sleep apnea, taking birth control pills, leading
a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight/obese, depressed, and stressed.
Signs and Symptoms of CAD in Women
Although women may experience the “classic” signs and symptoms (chest pain or discomfort and
shortness of breath) that are common in men, they also may complain of back and neck pain, nausea,
vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, extreme fatigue, anxiety, and dizziness. Women need to be aware that
if these symptoms are ignored, they may progress to heart failure, arrhythmias and heart attack/cardiac
arrest (where the heart completely stops).
Prevention Measures
Although it is important for women over 25 years old to be aware of the risk factors and signs and
symptoms of CAD, taking actions to PREVENT the disease or slow down its progression is even more
crucial. I created the following acronym to help women remember:
Pass up sodium (salt) and fats found in fried and processed foods, and baked goods.
Read labels, and stay away from "saturated fat" and anything that contains "partiallyhydrogenated" or "hydrogenated" fats. These products are usually loaded with unhealthy fats.
Exercise for about 30 minutes a day (at least 5 days a week); maintain a healthy weight.
Value a great collaborative relationship with your primary provider in order to address (manage)
your risk factors and monitor your cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, etc…
Eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, lean proteins, such as chicken, fish,
beans, legumes, low-fat dairy products, such as 1% milk and low-fat yogurt; Also eat fewer animal
products that contain cheese, cream, or eggs; and reduce to only 1 alcoholic drink a day.
No smoking or tobacco
Take omega-3 fatty acid supplements
All women over the age of 25 must make the commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This is the only way
to reverse the ‘killing trend” associated with CAD. Early recognition of signs and symptoms and
following the steps to PREVENT CAD will empower women to claim their hearts and lives back from
this killer and will modify outcomes.
References:
Coronary artery disease; Arteriosclerotic heart disease; CHD; CAD. Last reviewed: May 23, 2011.
Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004449/
Explore Heart Disease in Women. Retrieved from:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hdw/