Lowering the risk of heart disease in women

One in three women is affected by a heart problem. In fact, the No. 1 cause of death in women is heart disease and No. 3 is stroke. At Goshen Heart & Vascular Center, we care for all types of heart disease in women in Goshen, IN, including angina, congestive heart failure, broken heart syndrome, atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. Our fellowship trained specialists help you understand your risk of developing heart disease and create a plan to reduce that risk, as well as diagnose and treat existing heart problems.

To better understand the state of your heart health, talk to your primary care provider about a screening. Or, if you want to talk to someone at the Heart & Vascular Center, call (574) 537-5000 to make an appointment.

Symptoms of heart problems in women

Heart disease signs and symptoms are different for women and men. Two conditions with striking differences are angina and heart attack. In women, angina pain tends to be more sharp and widespread than in men.

Signs of a heart attack in women may start a month or longer before the heart attack occurs. Heart attack symptoms in women include:

Back or jaw pain
Cold sweats
Dizziness or feeling like you might pass out
Fatigue
Weakness
Heavy or weak feeling in the arms
Nausea
Shortness of breath

Women can have these symptoms without chest pain, the most recognizable sign of a heart attack.

Women and heart disease: Prevention and treatment

A buildup of fatty plaque inside your arteries is the most common cause of heart disease. Risk factors for heart problems in women include:

Being overweight or obese
Eating high amounts of fats and cholesterol
Having high blood pressure or diabetes
Leading a sedentary lifestyle
Smoking

Our heart and vascular team is here to help you address these risks head on and improve your heart health. We offer programs for smoking cessation and weight loss, as well as offer tips on building a lifestyle that will help keep your heart working as it should.

If treatment is necessary, we are equipped with the latest tools and technologies. Our new electrophysiology (EP) lab is designed to treat the specific heart health needs of our community. In addition, we are recognized nationally for our excellence in heart attack treatment.

Let Goshen Heart & Vascular Center join you on your journey for better heart health. Talk to your primary care provider about a referral.

Serving Elkhart County and surrounding areas, Goshen Heart & Vascular Center treats heart problems in women in Goshen, IN.