Heart Health for Women

Heart Health for women: 

Did you know that the signs and symptoms of a heart attack in women are different to men? 

Women don’t always feel pain in the centre of the chest when having a heart attack, women may feel breathless, have nausea, back pain, tightness or discomfort in the arms and a general feeling of unwell. 

As women get older and oestrogen levels fall, their risk of cardiovascular disease increases. After menopause, other risk factors for heart disease increase: 

  • High blood pressure
  • An increase in total cholesterol
  • An increase in LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) 
  • A decrease in HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) 
  • An increase in blood fats, such as triglycerides  

It is important to have regular heart checks with your GP, especially if you are over the age of 45. 

The Heart Foundation has some resources to help you understand your risks and the importance of booking a Heart Health Check. 

Source:  Jean Hailes, n.d, About menopause (https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause)
Jean Hailes, n.d. Cardiovascular Health (https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/cardiovascular-health)