What is coronary artery disease in women?
Coronary artery disease (CAD) in women involves the narrowing or blockage of the heart's arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. While CAD affects both men and women, there can be differences in how the disease presents and progresses in women. For example, women may experience blockages in smaller arteries or have different types of plaque buildup compared to men.
Risk Factors
Many CAD risk factors are shared between men and women, but some carry extra weight for women or show up differently:
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes — all of which can have a stronger impact on heart risk in women than in men.
Smoking, which raises CAD risk more in women than in men.
Premature/early menopause (before age 40), or menopause, since the drop in estrogen is linked to changes in cholesterol and blood vessel health.
Pregnancy-related conditions, such as endometriosis/PCOS, preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, which can raise long-term heart risk.
Family history of early heart disease.
Chronic stress, depression and autoimmune conditions, which are more common in women and are linked to higher CAD risk.
Being overweight, physically inactive, or having a diet high in saturated fat and sodium.
What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease in women?
Symptoms of CAD in women can differ from those typically seen in men. While chest pain is a common symptom for both, women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, back pain or jaw pain. These symptoms can be subtle and may be mistaken for other conditions, potentially delaying diagnosis.
How is coronary artery disease in women diagnosed?
Diagnosing CAD in women often involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination and diagnostic tests. Common diagnostic tools include electrocardiograms (ECGs), stress tests, echocardiograms and coronary angiograms.
Because CAD in women more often involves smaller arteries or different patterns of plaque buildup, standard tests can sometimes miss it. When symptoms persist but standard tests look normal, a doctor may use additional tools such as a coronary CT angiogram (a detailed scan of the heart’s arteries), a stress echocardiogram with imaging, or specialized tests that assess blood flow in the heart’s smallest vessels.
How is coronary artery disease in women treated?
Treatment for CAD in women is tailored to the individual and depends on the severity of the condition and other health factors. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol and blood clotting, and procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to manage the condition and prevent complications.
How can you care for yourself when you have coronary artery disease?
After a CAD diagnosis, self-care is important for managing the condition and supporting overall health. This can include adhering to medication schedules, adopting a heart-healthy diet (lower in sodium and saturated/trans fats, and higher in fruits, vegetables and whole grains), engaging in regular physical activity as advised by a doctor and managing stress. Participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs can also provide structured support and education.
Coronary artery disease in women: When to call
Call 911 right away if you experience sudden severe symptoms like crushing chest pain or trouble breathing.
Call your healthcare provider if you have ongoing symptoms that might suggest heart disease (chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, swelling in your legs, or unexplained pain in the arm, back, neck or jaw).
Staying informed, taking preventive steps and seeking help promptly can make a big difference in managing heart disease. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.