Fit, healthy women can develop heart disease. Here’s what you should know.

It is a common misconception that only unhealthy or sedentary individuals are at risk for developing heart disease. However, even fit and healthy women can be at risk for heart disease, and it is important for all women to be aware of their risk factors and take steps to prevent or manage the condition.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of plaque. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Other forms of heart disease include heart failure, congenital heart defects, and cardiovascular disease caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions.

Who is at risk for heart disease?

While heart disease is often thought of as a "man's disease," it is actually the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Women are at risk for heart disease for many of the same reasons that men are, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of heart disease. In addition, certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity, can increase the risk of heart disease in both men and women.

However, there are also some risk factors that are specific to women. For example, pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, can increase the risk of heart disease in women. In addition, certain hormonal changes that occur during menopause, such as an increase in "bad" LDL cholesterol and a decrease in "good" HDL cholesterol, can also increase the risk of heart disease in women.

Can fit, healthy women develop heart disease?

Yes, even fit and healthy women can be at risk for heart disease. While being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can lower the risk of heart disease, it does not guarantee that a woman will not develop the condition. In fact, research has shown that women who engage in regular physical activity and have a healthy diet and weight are still at risk for heart disease, especially if they have other risk factors such as high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease.

It is important for all women, regardless of their level of fitness or overall health, to be aware of their risk factors for heart disease and to take steps to prevent or manage the condition. This may include getting regular check-ups and screenings, managing any underlying health conditions, and making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular physical activity.

Symptoms of heart disease in women

The symptoms of heart disease in women can be different than those in men, and may be more subtle or harder to recognize. Common symptoms of heart disease in women include:

Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom of heart disease and may feel like a squeezing or pressure in the chest. However, not all women with heart disease experience chest pain, and some may have other types of chest discomfort such as a feeling of indigestion or heartburn.

Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially with physical activity, can be a sign of heart disease.

Fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted for no apparent reason can be a symptom of heart disease, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.

Heart palpitations: These are feelings of skipped beats or a racing heart, and can be a sign of heart disease.