Don’t ignore these warning signs, your heart may be in distress

Indigestion, upper back pain and fatigue can all be signs that your heart is in distress, particularly for women.

This is a warning by a cardiologist practising at Netcare Pinehaven and Netcare Olivedale hospitals, Dr Adriano Dello Iacono.

Dr Dello Iacono says, while there is a general misconception that coronary artery disease is a men’s health issue, the lack of awareness around heart attack symptoms in women is dangerous.

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“International data has shown that even among doctors, there is a misconception that women are not affected by heart disease.

“This leads to certain symptoms being overlooked – like indigestion and fatigue – with the result that heart attacks in females can all too easily be missed,” he said.

He says after menopause, a woman’s risk factors for heart disease are in fact equivalent to those of a man.

“Modern lifestyle choices play a significant role in higher rates of heart attacks in these age groups.

“Younger people have a greater likelihood of consuming energy drinks, fast foods and processed meals – all of which contribute to coronary artery disease.

“There has also been an increase in tobacco use among women in the past 10 years than was previously documented,” he said.

“Women can also be more likely to develop heart disease due to having Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or broken heart syndrome, which is a sudden weakness in the heart muscle brought on by acute stress.

“From a healthcare perspective, this usually presents as a heart attack.”

To reduce the risk of a heart attack, the following risk factors must be kept under control:

· Diabetes
· Hypertension
· Dyslipidaemia (unhealthy levels of certain fats in your blood)

Dr Dello Iacono encourages women to consider their heart health from a young age.

“The earlier you start to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy body weight and eat a healthy diet, the more your risk will be reduced. Importantly, smoking must be avoided.”

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