The ongoing pandemic has caused tremendous upheaval and stress in all our lives, and the medical community has noticed a troubling trend in heart health–an alarming increase of heart problems in women.

What’s Going On?

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more women are experiencing heart issues that can be directly linked to the stress and anxiety caused by the crisis.

One theory is that women have been more affected by the pandemic for several reasons. First, many women are essential workers, and their risk of exposure to the virus is higher.

Secondly, women are often the primary caregivers for children, elderly relatives and others who require care.

According to Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a sought-after cardiologist and spokesperson for the American Heart Association, “Women are carrying so much stress, and they’re not taking care of themselves. They’re not sleeping or eating right.

They’re scared and anxious, and they’re not reaching out for help.”.

Related Article Crisis increases risk of cardiovascular diseases in women

The Symptoms

Women could experience different symptoms than men when it comes to heart disease. It is essential that women understand that they need to pay attention to any changes in their bodies that could be a sign of heart disease. According to Dr.

Lauren Eberly, a cardiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, “Women tend to get more subtle symptoms like fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and sometimes they don’t experience chest discomfort at all.”.

Dr. Steinbaum says that women should look out for the following:.

1. Chest pain or discomfort that comes and goes unexpectedly
2. Shortness of breath
3. Sweating
4. Fatigue
5. Nausea or vomiting

What Women Can Do To Help Themselves

There are things that women can do to help themselves manage stress and protect their heart health during these uncertain times. Dr. Steinbaum suggests:.

1. Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing techniques
2. Get adequate sleep
3. Eat a healthy diet low in processed food
4. Exercise daily, which is proven to reduce the risk of heart disease
5. Reach out to your healthcare provider and make sure you’re not neglecting any necessary treatments or check-ups

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic can have a severe impact on women’s heart health, and it’s important to take notice of the warning signs and remain vigilant.

Taking care of ourselves and managing our stress levels is essential to protect our heart health during these uncertain times.