Heart disease is a serious health issue for all people. However, many women consider heart disease more of a problem in men. However, like men, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women.
Dr. Farah specializes in heart disease in women. She understands how many women may not consider heart disease a significant health concern. She also knows that heart disease symptoms may look different in women than in men.
Women are also at risk of developing heart disease from complications related to pregnancy, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure) or diabetes.
Heart disease is a general term that includes several conditions that affect the heart. Types of heart disease that affect women include:
CAD occurs when there’s a narrowing or blockage in the main arteries in the heart. This narrowing occurs from a buildup of plaque, increasing your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat in which your heart may beat too slow or too fast. Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia.
Valvular heart disease affects the valves that separate the chambers in the heart, altering the movement of blood. Aortic stenosis is a type of valvular heart disease.
If you have heart failure, your heart is unable to adequately pump blood throughout your body.
Many women with heart disease have chest pain or shortness of breath, which are common heart disease symptoms that affect men too. However, one of the barriers women face when seeking help for heart health is that they may have varying symptoms.
In addition to chest pain, other heart disease symptoms in women may include:
These symptoms may indicate you’re having a heart attack. If you have any of these symptoms, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
You can expect compassionate and comprehensive care from Dr. Farah when you come in for a heart disease evaluation. She specializes in women’s heart health and asks detailed questions about your symptoms, health history, family history, usual diet, and exercise habits.
She performs a physical exam and may run cardiac testing to assess heart health. Testing might include:
Dr. Farah also does pre-op cardiology consultations.
Heart disease in women is a serious health concern, but with preventative care and proper treatment, you can improve your heart health.
To schedule women’s heart disease care at Bentley Heart, call the office in Fort Worth, Texas, or book an appointment online today.