The Texas Heart Institute reports that women are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases than men. It causes more than 40% of deaths of women in America. However, it is often underestimated because cardiovascular disease symptomizes 7-10 years later in women than in men. But, it has emerged as one of the primary causes of death in women aged 65 and above. So, what leads to more incidents of heart attacks in older women, and can it be prevented? Let's learn more.

What Is A Heart Attack?

A heart attack, also called myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to any part of the heart is obstructed, usually by a blood clot. The heart muscle then becomes starved of oxygen and begins to die, which can cause severe and sometimes permanent damage to the heart.

Are Heart Attack And Cardiac Arrest the Same?

No, a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are not the same. While both conditions are related to the heart, they are different in terms of their causes, symptoms, and treatments. A heart attack eventuates when a blockage in one of the coronary arteries interrupts blood flow to the heart muscle. This can lead to damage or death of the heart muscle cells. Symptoms of a heart attack can include shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, nausea, and pain or discomfort in other areas of the body, such as the arms, neck, or jaw.

Alternatively, cardiac arrest occurs when the heart abruptly stops beating, usually due to an electrical glitch in the heart. It can cause a person to collapse and lose consciousness within seconds. Symptoms of cardiac arrest can include sudden loss of consciousness, absence of breathing or pulse, and potentially death if not treated immediately.

While a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, the two conditions are distinct and require different treatments. If you or someone around you experiences a heart attack or cardiac arrest symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

What Causes Heart Attack In Older Women?

Some of the common causes of a heart attack in older women include:

• Coronary artery disease: It is the leading cause of heart attacks in men and women. Blood flow to the heart muscle gets hindered when any blockage or shrinkage in the arteries interferes with the blood supply to the heart, causing coronary artery disease. Age is one of the primary risk factors for this problem, particularly after menopause.

• Menopause: Cessation of monthly cycles can increase the risk of a heart attack in older women. This is because, during menopause, a woman's body experiences changes in hormone levels, particularly a decrease in estrogen. Estrogen is known to have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, and its decline may aggravate the risk factors for heart disease. Women who experience early menopause, i.e., before age 45, may be at increased risk of heart attacks compared to women who experience menopause later. In addition, women with surgical menopause, where the ovaries are removed, may also have a higher risk of heart disease.

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure distresses the heart and may damage the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. Over time, it can lead to coronary artery disease and an increased risk of a heart attack.

• High cholesterol: High LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as 'bad' cholesterol, can cause plaque build-up in the arteries, raising the risk of a heart attack.

• Diabetes: Women with diabetes are more prone to heart attacks than those without diabetes. High blood sugar levels can impair blood vessels, contributing to plaque build-up in the arteries.

• Obesity: The risk of heart attack is higher in women who are overweight or obese, especially if the excess weight is around the waist.

• Family history: The chances of a heart attack are more in women with a family history of heart disease.

• Smoking: Smoking is a notable risk factor for heart attack. The likelihood of heart attack is higher in women who smoke than in those who do not.

• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development of heart attack risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, all of which add to the risk of a heart attack.

What Are The Symptoms Of Heart Attack In Women?

Heart attack symptoms in older women may differ from those experienced by men or younger women. Some commonly reported symptoms of a heart attack in older women include:

• Chest pain or discomfort: It is often the first heart attack symptom. The pain may be felt as fullness, pain, pressure, and squeezing sensation in the center of the chest. It may last for several minutes or recur.

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or huffing and puffing can also indicate a heart attack. It may occur with or without chest discomfort.

• Nausea or vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach, vomiting, or feeling dizzy may also be symptoms of a heart attack.

• Pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, or back: Women may also experience pain or discomfort in areas such as the neck, jaw, or back.

• Fatigue: Exhaustion, even when you haven't been physically active, can be a sign of a heart attack.

• Sweating: Experiencing sudden cold sweats or feeling clammy can be heart attack symptoms.

• Light-headedness or fainting: Light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting may also be signs of a heart attack.

Some women may experience atypical symptoms such as indigestion, upper abdominal pain, or a feeling of fullness. Women are also more likely to delay seeking medical attention for their symptoms than men, leading to a poorer prognosis. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention immediately.

How Ginger-U Supplements May Support Cardiovascular Health?

Ginger-U offers several health-optimizing supplements, including Coenzyme Q10 and Resveratrol. These two supplements are well-known for their heart-friendly effects. Studies have underlined the positive effects of CoQ10 on cardiovascular health. It helps increase LDL, aka the good cholesterol, and lowers inflammatory biomarker levels, thus slashing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It may also help regulate high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart attack. See the figure below to know how Coenzyme Q10 benefits heart health.

Source: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCHEARTFAILURE.115.002639

Similarly, resveratrol, a type of polyphenol, has antioxidant properties that protect your heart from oxidative stress. Besides, it improves health conditions (hypertension, diabetes, and chronic low-grade inflammation) that may lead to heart attacks. The following chart summarizes the findings from the clinical research involving resveratrol for heart health.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413130/

Besides, CoQ10 and resveratrol, you may consider taking the following supplements for cardiovascular health.

• Omega 3 fatty acids

• Vitamin D

• Magnesium

• Fibre

• L-carnitine

Remember that supplements should be used with a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, not as their replacement. Also, consult your doctor before taking any new supplements, as they may interact with other medications or have other potential side effects.