Australian women and cardiovascular disease: Understanding the risks

With research by the Australian Heart Foundation showing women are less likely than men to attend cardiac rehabilitation, less likely to take their medicine regularly, and are less likely to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes¹, exploring the risk factors, impacts, preventive measures, and healthcare initiatives aimed at mitigating the risk of CVDs becomes all the more important.

Understanding cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, can affect any part of the cardiovascular system (heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries) and includes conditions like coronary heart disease, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), atrial fibrillation (a type of arrhythmia in which your heart beats irregularly and often fast), heart attack, congenital heart disease, heart failure, and stroke.²

Cardiovascular diseases in women

While cardiovascular disease in women does not have a single cause, a primary underlying factor is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty plaques accumulate on artery walls, composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances. As these plaques harden over time, they narrow the arteries' openings, impeding blood flow.²

Cardiovascular disease is often less recognised in women due to several factors. Women tend to develop symptoms later in the illness compared to men, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, these symptoms often present as more vague or nonspecific, complicating their identification as signs of heart-related issues.³

For example, while men experience what is thought of as the “typical” symptom of a heart attack, chest pain, women can experience back, neck or jaw pain, and a burning sensation in the chest, similar to heartburn.³

Am I at risk of a cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease can affect women at any age, but the risk significantly increases around the time of menopause. Natural estrogen in women is believed to play a protective role against cardiovascular disease by maintaining the flexibility of blood vessels and arteries, which facilitates proper blood flow regulation. However, as estrogen levels decline during menopause and other physiological changes occur, the risk of heart disease rises.³

Additional risk factors apart from age include:²

• High blood pressure (including preeclampsia)
• Stress
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Family history
• Smoking
• Alcohol

How can women reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases?

Regular heart health checks with your GP are crucial in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Detecting heart disease early allows for timely treatment and management, potentially preventing more severe health complications. In Australia, Medicare covers Heart Health Checks, which typically take just 20 minutes to complete and will help you understand your risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years.⁴

As with all illnesses, prevention is better than cure when it comes to cardiovascular diseases, with 8 in 10 cases of premature heart disease and stroke being preventable through healthy lifestyle behaviours.⁵

Simple steps women can take to prevent cardiovascular diseases include:³

• Eating a healthy diet filled with fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and lean protein
• Limiting stress where possible
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity per day
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol intake

Despite its significant impact on women's health, cardiovascular diseases continue to be under-recognised and undertreated among women. However, with a few key lifestyle changes and a proactive approach, you can significantly reduce your risk and stay healthy for years to come.