Matters of the Heart
Post-menopausal women run a greater risk of heart disease

When it comes to heart disease, post-menopausal women are looking at a level playing field with men.

Because of estrogen naturally produced by the body, fewer pre-menopausal women develop coronary heart disease because the estrogen can protect their arteries from clogging with cholesterol. Yet post-menopausal women quickly catch up to men when it comes to the number of coronary heart disease cases, says John C. Gurley, M.D., a cardiologist at the Linda and Jack Gill Heart Institute at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center.

"I think many women overlook heart disease, thinking of it as a man's disease," Gurley observes. "As we all get more educated, we are more likely to realize that cardiovascular health is really a part of any woman's long-term health."

Post-menopausal women trying to prevent coronary heart disease should discuss with their doctor whether to use an estrogen replacement, which can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Aside from estrogen replacement therapy, women of all ages should consider making changes in their dietary and lifestyle habits to give their bodies more protection from heart disease. Gurley makes the following suggestions:

• Do not smoke or live with a smoker.
• Limit fat and cholesterol in diets.
• Control weight and blood pressure.
• Be aware of family history.
• Stay active by walking briskly, biking, jogging or swimming several times a week.

"It is not what you do every single day that counts," Gurley says. "It is what you do in the long run. It is okay to enjoy unhealthy meals you like every once in a while."

Symptoms of heart attacks or heart disease can include tightness, a feeling of fullness, pressure, or discomfort in the center of the chest, neck, jaws, shoulders, arms, elbows or upper back. Some patients have also experienced apprehension, excessive perspiration, and nausea.

It's important to remember, however, that women in their 70s and 80s commonly may not have the classic symptoms, warns Gurley. "They may have unusual symptoms like weakness or dizziness, difficulty in breathing, confusion symptoms we really wouldn't think of as being heart attacks."

Common quick and inexpensive tests such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose can also be used to cheek for potential heart problems.

"A woman's doctor is her partner in health maintenance," Gurley emphasizes. "A woman needs to have a physician she knows and trusts to work with her in preserving her cardiovascular health."

Tammy Gay is an information specialist for the UK Chandler Medical Center Office of Public Affairs

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