Understanding Women's Cardiovascular Health with Marla Ahlgrimm

For many generations, heart disease was considered a "man's disease." And while Marla Ahlgrimm says that men are certainly at risk of cardiovascular events, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide. However, women's heart health presents unique challenges and requires a deeper understanding.

Why Are Women Different?

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women's and men's heart health varies for many reasons. First and foremost are hormonal influences. Estrogen, the key female hormone, does offer some protection against heart disease. This, however, is only applicable during her reproductive years, and as estrogen levels decline during menopause, women's risk of a cardiovascular event significantly increases.

Women also have specific risk factors, including pregnancy complications, PCOS, and even early menopause. All of these are health concerns that Marla Ahlgrimm says can elevate a woman's future risk of cardiovascular problems. Furthermore, women are more likely to experience microvascular disease, a condition that can lead to angina and coronary blockages.

Yet further muddying the waters between men and women's heart health is the fact that women tend to experience different symptoms when facing a heart attack. Although the classic "chest-clenching" pain is still possible, many women present with lightheadedness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, neck and back pain, or shortness of breath before or instead of typical heart attack symptoms.

What We Can Do

Although nobody can predict who it will hit or when a heart attack might occur, Marla Ahlgrimm says that we are not completely helpless. Prevention is key, and that means leading a healthy lifestyle. Marla Ahlgrimm recommends starting with your diet. Remember, eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods is the best way to prioritize your health. This, coupled with regular physical exercise and letting go of unhealthy vices, such as excessive alcohol intake or smoking, can help keep your body healthy no matter your age.

Another crucial factor to consider is stress. Marla Ahlgrimm acknowledges that women tend to be under more stress than ever around the time of menopause. This is when our careers are in full gear, our children may be exiting adolescence and entering adulthood, and we are starting to notice physical changes that may leave us feeling like a lesser version of ourselves. These factors combined can leave us stressed out, and stress can lead to a weakened immune system.

Early Detection Is Key

While prevention is essential, Marla Ahlgrimm says it's also prudent to know the signs of a heart attack. Do your research, and also be aware of your family history. Most importantly, listen to your body. Nobody knows you better than you, and if something feels off, don't be afraid to reach out to your doctor.

Women and men face many of the same health concerns, cardiovascular issues included. However, Marla Ahlgrimm asserts that women's health must be looked at from a gender-specific lens, as our bodies do not react to stimuli the same as those of our brothers and husbands. Ultimately, it is up to each woman to know her body and to pick up the phone and schedule a health exam if she feels that something isn't right.