Heart Disease Prevention Beyond the Basics
Women’s heart attack symptoms don’t always look dramatic like it does in Hollywood – but that doesn’t mean it’s any less serious. Signs and symptoms of heart disease are often subtle and therefore easily missed, making early prevention even more important. Here are four tips to help you stay ahead of heart disease:
1. Catch the Early Cues
Heart attack symptoms in women often show up as indigestion, jaw, neck, or back discomfort. These signs are easy to dismiss as stress or anxiety, so don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for further evaluation, especially if something feels off. Some common symptoms include unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, indigestion or stomach pain, unexplained sweating, dizziness or lightheadedness, sleep disturbances, and upper back, shoulder, or arm pain.
2. Ask for an Lp(a) Test
Most people know about the routine cholesterol panel, but very few are tested for Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a) - a stickier type of cholesterol that speeds up plaque buildup. 1 in 5 people have elevated Lp(a) level, and they might not even know it. It isn’t affected by diet or lifestyle and is passed down in families. Ask your doctor for this test and encourage family members to do the same. It’s especially important to test after menopause as Lp(a) levels increase by 20-30%.
3. Consider Wearable Tech
Your smartwatch can do more than count steps – it can track key heart health metrics like VO2 max (maximal oxygen consumption), which measures how efficiently your body can use oxygen during exercise, and HRV (heart rate variability), the difference in time between each heart beat. Low VO2 and irregular HRV are linked to future heart concerns, but improving these numbers help to reduce that risk.
4. Strengthen Your Heart with Muscle
Building muscle plays a major role in heart health. Strength training can reduce artery stiffness, lower inflammation, and help regulate blood sugar. Think of muscle as a “glucose sponge” that supports your heart and overall wellness. Aim to incorporate weight lifting into your routine alongside regular movement throughout the week.
Heart disease is largely preventable, and small, actionable steps can make a big impact. Know your numbers, take proactive measures, and don’t underestimate the power of consistent healthy habits. By prioritizing your heart health today, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success in preventing heart disease.
Not sure where to start? That’s okay! You can book a consultation with me, Dr. Simin Lee, to create a personalized plan that works for you.
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