The Differences Between Men & Women With Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. In fact, more women die from heart disease each year than men. Fortunately, heart disease is highly preventable. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight are two important ways to prevent heart disease. Non-smokers also have a lowered risk.

Causes

• Heart disease occurs when the arteries are clogged with plaque caused by cholesterol buildup, restricting the amount of blood flow and oxygen delivered to other areas of the body. For men, this buildup usually accumulates in one or two areas of the arteries, while women tend to build up plaque throughout the arteries. Women usually have plaque in smaller coronary arteries, while men usually have blockages in the larger coronary arteries.

Death Rate

• According to Beverly Lorell, MD, "In the last 25 years while cardiovascular death rates were falling for men, they were rising for women." On average, women experience heart attacks about 10 years later than men, when heart disease has progressed significantly and the body is less resilient. According to a national study of physician awareness and adherence to cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines conducted in 2004, less than one in five doctors are aware that more women die from heart disease each year than men. This may be a factor in why women are less likely to receive appropriate treatment after a heart attack, which contributes to the higher death rate.

Symptoms

• Chest pressure is the most common symptom of heart disease for both men and women. However, women more often experience atypical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, jaw pain, fatigue, nausea and headaches.