Friday is Go Red for Women Day, an initiative by the American Heart Association to educate about cardiovascular disease, which is the No. 1 killer of women. Dr. Dylan Wyatt, emergency medicine physician at Aspirus St. Lukes, joined The Lift to offer his perspective.

In Brief

• Heart disease often looks different in women, with symptoms like pain between the shoulder blades and unusual fatigue more common than in men.
• Women are advised to start heart health screenings at age 20, with more targeted assessments beginning at age 40 and increasing after menopause.
• Simple steps like eating more fiber, exercising regularly, and knowing key health numbers can help women protect their heart health.

Heart disease in women can present differently than in men, making it important to recognize unique symptoms and risk factors at every age.

Traditional definitions of heart disease were based on studies of men, leading to gaps in how heart disease is taught to both medical professionals and the public when it comes to women.

Chest pain remains the primary symptom for women, but they are more likely to feel tightness or pressure rather than the crushing pain often reported by men. Pain between the shoulder blades is twice as common in women compared to men, and symptoms like nausea and shortness of breath are also more frequent.

Women may also experience prodromal symptoms, which are signs that appear days or weeks before a heart attack. These can include unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety and indigestion that does not match foods eaten. These symptoms are cause to schedule an urgent appointment with a physician or provider or go to the emergency room if they worsen.

When to start heart health screenings

Women are encouraged to begin general heart health screenings at age 20, which are typically part of a yearly physical. At age 40, these assessments become more targeted based on risk factors. Menopause, which occurs on average around age 50, increases the risks.

Feeling healthy does not always mean the heart is healthy, as the early stages of heart disease do not have symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is already advanced.

What numbers matter for heart health?

There are five vital signs or lab results that women should monitor to assess their heart health risk: total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index. These numbers provide actionable points to help improve heart health.

Simple steps for better heart health

Eating more fiber is one step women can take. Most Americans do not get enough fiber in their diets, which can negatively affect heart health. Starting an exercise routine, even if it is just walking a half-mile a day, can add up to a significant distance over a month. Talking to a primary care physician or provider to set up screenings is also recommended if it has been a while.

Recognizing unique symptoms, starting screenings early and making small lifestyle changes can help women take charge of their heart health.