Heart disease is often thought of as a “man’s problem,” but it’s actually the leading cause of death for women in most countries, including India. In fact, after age 50, nearly 1 in 3 women will develop some form of cardiovascular disease. The scary part? Many women don’t realize they’re at risk because the symptoms can look very different from the classic “elephant on the chest” pain we usually associate with a heart attack.
Let’s break down the most common heart diseases in women, why they happen, how symptoms show up differently, and what you can do today to protect your heart.
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) / Coronary Heart Disease
This is the most common type of heart disease in both men and women. It happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis).
Why women are different: Women tend to develop CAD about 10 years later than men, largely because estrogen offers some protection before menopause. After menopause, the risk shoots up and can even surpass men’s risk.
Common symptoms in women (often subtler):
- Unusual fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back
- Sleep disturbances
Many women mistake these for acidity, anxiety, or just “being tired.”
2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Yes, heart attacks are a type of heart disease event. Women are more likely to have “atypical” symptoms, which is why many heart attacks in women go unrecognized — both by the woman herself and sometimes even by medical staff.
Red-flag signs in women:
- Sudden extreme fatigue (feeling like you “can’t even get off the couch”)
- Cold sweat
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Pain that feels like severe indigestion
Time is muscle. If something feels seriously “off,” don’t wait — call for help.
3. Heart Failure
This doesn’t mean the heart suddenly stops; it means the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should. Fluid builds up in the lungs and other parts of the body.
Women are more likely than men to develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) — a type where the heart muscle becomes stiff rather than weak.
Common triggers in women:
- Long-standing high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Previous chemotherapy (some breast cancer treatments)
- Thyroid disorders
Early symptoms: Swelling in legs/ankles, shortness of breath when lying flat, persistent cough.
4. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that starts in the upper chambers of the heart. Women with AFib have a higher risk of stroke than men with the same condition.
Risk factors more common in women:
- Age > 75
- Thyroid problems (especially hyperthyroidism)
- Autoimmune diseases
Symptoms: Palpitations, weakness, dizziness, or sometimes no symptoms at all — which makes regular check-ups important.
5. Stroke (Cerebrovascular Disease)
While stroke is technically a brain condition, it’s considered a cardiovascular disease because it’s caused by problems with blood vessels. Women have unique risk factors:
- Migraines with aura
- Use of oral contraceptives (especially if combined with smoking)
- Pregnancy-related complications (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes)
- Hormone replacement therapy after menopause
6. Broken Heart Syndrome (Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy)
Yes, it’s a real medical condition! Extreme emotional or physical stress can temporarily weaken the heart muscle. It’s far more common in women (90% of cases), especially post-menopausal women.
It mimics a heart attack but is usually reversible with proper care.
Why Women Are Diagnosed Later (or Missed Altogether)
- Symptoms are “atypical”
- Women tend to put others first and ignore their own symptoms
- Some traditional risk calculators underestimate women’s risk
- Doctors (and women themselves) sometimes attribute symptoms to anxiety or menopause
Risk Factors That Hit Women Harder
- Diabetes (increases heart disease risk 3–7 times in women vs 2–3 times in men)
- Smoking (women who smoke have a 25% higher risk of heart disease than men who smoke)
- Stress and depression
- PCOS and early menopause
- Pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes) — these women have 2–4 times higher risk later in life
What You Can Do Right Now
- Know your numbers: Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, BMI
- Quit smoking — the single best thing you can do for your heart
- Move 30 minutes most days (even brisk walking counts)
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts; less processed food and sugar
- Manage stress (yoga, meditation, therapy — whatever works for you)
- Get regular check-ups, especially after 40 or if you have risk factors
Simple Heart Health Screening You Can Do From Home
Many women delay check-ups because of time or hesitation. Today you can book a blood test at home with just a few clicks. A basic cardiac risk profile usually includes:
- Lipid profile (cholesterol levels)
- Blood sugar (HbA1c + fasting glucose)
- Hs-CRP (inflammation marker)
- Homocysteine and Lipoprotein(a) (advanced markers)
You can search for “blood test online” or “health package online” and choose women-specific cardiac packages. Many reliable labs now offer blood test at home services with sample collection by trained phlebotomists. If you’re in Rajasthan, you’ll find some of the best lab in Jaipur providing accurate reports within 24–48 hours at competitive blood test price points.
