Though heart diseases are called “man’s disease,” this syndrome can be diagnosed in women of any age and cause a wide range of symptoms. This condition requires proper diagnostics to reveal the underlying causes and treatment to improve the patient’s quality of life and manage the development of the disease.
What Is Heart Failure?
The term heart failure refers to the state of the heart being unable to meet the body’s requirements for blood circulation due to decreased cardiac function. There are several types of this disease depending on the cause of the malfunction. Sometimes the muscle tissue weakens and cannot pump the required amount of blood; in other cases, it loses its elasticity and becomes stiff. The heart may also be affected by myocardial infarction or subjected to increased pressure due to other heart diseases. These factors reduce the functionality of the heart, resulting in fluid retention and impaired circulation.
Heart failure is a chronic disease that requires comprehensive treatment and lifestyle adjustment. Following the recommendations allows patients to improve their quality of life, manage the progression of the disease, and extend survival.
Why Heart Failure Affects Women Differently
There are several reasons why women tend to be more affected by heart failure. First, the female body differs from the male one in hormone levels, and female hormones are responsible for many changes in the heart muscles. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Moreover, women with coronary artery disease often experience dysfunction of small blood vessels supplying the heart with blood. This condition, called microvascular angina, is characterized by periodic pain and discomfort behind the sternum. It is often caused by narrowed blood vessels and increased pressure, and it is particularly common in menopausal women.
Furthermore, pregnant women can develop health complications associated with preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or gestational hypertension. These diseases can inflict long-term damage on the heart, contributing to heart failure. In addition, female patients often report their symptoms as manifestations of other diseases, and their problems are diagnosed later than in men.
Heart Failure Symptoms in Women
Heart failure usually progresses gradually and rarely presents obvious symptoms for a long time. Fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling are early signs that should raise suspicion of heart problems. Women also often experience weight gain since fluid retention leads to increased weight. Patients feel discomfort when walking or lying down and may notice frequent nighttime urination.
In addition, they may feel bloated and experience heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Other common symptoms include a dry cough, palpitations, and dizziness. However, these manifestations are not specific to heart failure and can be signs of other conditions, such as depression, anemia, menopause, or indigestion. Therefore, these symptoms should be discussed with a doctor, especially when they become frequent and occur more often than before.
When to See a Doctor for Heart Failure
A woman should consult a doctor in case of sudden breathlessness or wheezing; rapid swelling of the lower limbs and face; sudden swelling of the legs or ankle; nocturnal dyspnea; sudden increase in weight by more than 2-3 kg; irregular or rapid heartbeat; discomfort behind the sternum or chest pain. Moreover, heart failure can provoke serious complications such as pulmonary edema or arrhythmia; these conditions are considered emergencies and require immediate medical attention.
Heart Failure Risk Factors
There are several causes of heart failure in women. First of all, the risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, thyroid dysfunction, obesity, kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases. Some conditions specific to women can also have a negative impact on the heart, for example, pregnancy-associated hypertension or preeclampsia. Another risk factor is menopause since it is associated with changes in estrogen levels and increased vascular stiffness. Moreover, some women are subject to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which often leads to irregular periods and disrupts the hormone system.
Lifestyle habits that affect health negatively are also dangerous, such as regular alcohol abuse, lack of physical activity, smoking, poor nutrition, and chronic stress. All of these factors contribute to the development of the disease and should be avoided.
Heart Failure Diagnosis
A healthcare provider usually performs a physical examination and recommends coronary CT angiography, a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram, and tests for BNP/NT-proBNP. Women often require additional diagnostics, for example, a stress test, cardiac MRI scan, or coronary angiography. Even if the tests did not confirm heart failure, it is necessary to take measures to prevent it if breathlessness occurs.
Heart Failure Treatment and Management
The treatment of heart failure is selected depending on the type of disease and the causes that triggered it. The primary objective is to improve the patient’s quality of life and prevent further decompensation of the heart. Doctors usually prescribe drugs to remove excess fluid from the body and recommend making dietary changes. A number of treatments also depend on the presence of concomitant diseases and the patient’s overall health.
In addition to drug therapy, doctors recommend observing certain daily habits: eating healthy food and not on a regular basis, avoiding salt, maintaining an optimal weight, exercising regularly, sleeping at least 7 hours a day, and reducing stress. Such measures will help strengthen the cardiovascular system and restore the body.
The Role of Diet and Family Support in Heart Failure
Many heart diseases can be prevented with a healthy diet and good eating habits. There are no universal restrictions, but it is recommended not to consume fatty foods and to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is necessary to minimize the amount of salt in food and drink plenty of water. Moreover, patients should monitor their weight and consult a doctor if it deviates from the norm. Following the doctor’s recommendations, avoiding harmful habits, and balanced nutrition are essential parts of treatment. Good results can be achieved only with a systematic approach.
Moreover, treating heart failure in women is impossible without the support of loved ones. Close people should encourage the patient to take care of themselves and include them in their daily activities. They should motivate and support the woman and accept all the nuances of her lifestyle. The emotional state of the patient is also very important, and it is necessary to help them cope with stress and constant anxiety about their health.
Depression and Anxiety in Heart Failure Patients
Women diagnosed with heart failure often experience depression or anxiety about their health. They are faced with limitations in their daily lives and suffer from the fact that they can no longer do the things they used to. Moreover, women often feel helpless and exhausted since the disease has a significant effect on their body.
In such cases, heart failure patients need more time and support from friends and family. Taking care of themselves, communicating with other people, and not hiding emotions is important for their well-being. Doctors also recommend consulting a psychologist.
Why Prevention and Screening Are Important for Heart Failure
In women, heart failure can be prevented with proper prevention and screening. It is important to control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and sugar levels in the blood. Weight loss and quitting smoking and alcohol are also important steps in preventing heart failure. Women also need to pay attention to their health and visit doctors for regular check-ups.
Women need to discuss any pregnancy-related issues with their doctor and receive proper therapy. This is especially important for those who have had preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. Moreover, women who have undergone early menopause or have PCOS need regular and individual monitoring to prevent the onset of heart failure.
The Bottom Line
Heart failure in women is a serious condition with a wide range of symptoms. Many of them are similar to other diseases and are often not characteristic of the female body, so it is difficult for women to determine the onset of the disease. Following a few simple rules can help avoid some consequences of heart failure and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system. In case of any suspicion, it is necessary to contact a healthcare provider to establish the diagnosis and start the treatment.
