Stress & Heart Attacks In Women

For many women, heart health care is overlooked. Seeing a family doctor can provide a lot of insight into the impact of stress on the heart, especially for women. In many cases, heart attacks in women look different from heart attacks in men.

Do you want to know more about the impact of stress on the heart? Here's what you need to know.

Women Often Put Their Health on the Backburner

In many cases, women suffer from heart disease induced by stress because they do not put their health first. They may put the health of others at the forefront, which means that they put less effort into their own appointments and stress relief.

It is very difficult to overlook the fact that heart disease is the top cause of death for both men and women in the United States. When women do not take care of themselves, they are more likely to experience heart disease.

Women Face Many Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Risk factors for heart disease can be identified by your doctor early on. A professional can provide information about blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight that might be linked to heart disease. What often goes ignored is the fact that stress and anxiety can often impact your heart health.

Stress Is Related to Heart Attacks

Common stressors that impact women (and may lead to an eventual heart attack) include family conflict, death and mourning, divorce or relationship dissolution, and illness. High levels of stress are associated with heart attack, but you may need to discuss your stress level with a professional.

Additionally, stress can impact your ability to have a healthy recovery after a heart attack. This means that you may struggle to get better because your body is not giving you the tools it needs to see a complete recovery. You could face more heart disease in the meantime.

The Risks Continue to Grow Without Treatment

When you experience stress, your blood pressure may increase. This leads to plaque buildup in your arteries, which can cause increased risks of heart disease. When stress is paired with other unhealthy behaviors, like smoking, drinking to excess, or binge eating, the risks increase.

See a Family Care Doctor

A family care doctor can answer your questions about heart health. If you are unsure how to move forward with addressing heart disease symptoms or recognizing the signs of stress is impacting the heart, a doctor can help. Call a professional today to learn more about reducing your heart attack risk.