Symptoms Of Heart Blockage In Females And Their Diagnosis

Author: Jomathews Verosilove on Jun 16,2022
Symptoms Of Heart Blockage In Females

 

Heart attacks can often happen to many people suddenly. However, there is evidence that women can show symptoms for several weeks before a heart attack. An article published in 2019 describes a study of 511 women who had suffered a heart attack, and 70 percent of them reported having at least one symptom at least 4 weeks before. Sleep can also be disturbed by these symptoms, which may be constant or intermittent. In any condition where these symptoms occur, a woman must seek care as soon as possible since heart attacks can prove deadly regardless of the severity of symptoms. Some of the possible symptoms of heart blockage in females are:

 

1. Chest pain

Regardless of gender, chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom of a heart attack. It can be summarized as follows:

  • Tightness
  • Pressure
  • Squeezing
  • Aching

A woman can still experience a heart attack despite not experiencing any discomfort in her chest. A survey conducted in 2019 found that 31 percent of the women reported chest discomfort in the weeks before the attack. Sixty percent of the women experienced chest discomfort during the attack.

 

2. Abnormally high levels of fatigue

An increased level of fatigue is common in the weeks before a heart attack. An increased level of fatigue is also common just before the attack. The mere act of moving about can exhaust you, even if it does not require much effort.

 

3. Weakness

A woman experiencing a heart attack is likely to feel weak or shaken. There may be other symptoms of heart blockage in females associated with this weakness or shaking, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Feeling lightheaded

 

4. Shortness of breath

Especially if accompanied by fatigue or chest pain, shortness of breath or heavy breathing without exercise can indicate a heart problem. The symptoms usually ease when a woman sits upright. Those who are lying down may experience shortness of breath.

 

5. Sweating

A common symptom of a heart attack is excessive sweating without any reason. It is also possible for a heart problem to make you feel cold and clammy.

 

6. Upper body pain

In the upper body, this condition is usually non-specific and cannot be tied to any specific limb or muscle. The following areas are potentially affected:

  • Neck
  • Jaw
  • Upper back or either arm

Depending on the location and severity of the pain, it can develop in a single area and spread to others over time.

 

7. Problems with sleep

A study from 2019 found that nearly half of women had problems sleeping in the weeks prior to having a heart attack. There are several causes of these symptoms of heart blockage in females, including:

  • Not being able to sleep
  • Sleep disturbances throughout the night
  • Getting enough sleep but feeling tired

 

8. Digestive issues

An attack of heart disease can be preceded by stomach discomfort or pain. In addition, you may experience the following digestive issues:

  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

 

Are women more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than men?

A term used for many different conditions, cardiovascular disease often refers to heart disease. Women are more likely to develop the following types of heart disease:

 

Atherosclerosis

The most prevalent form of cardiovascular disease in the United States, and a cause of heart attacks, occurs when the arteries are clogged with plaque, causing the heart to be unable to receive adequate blood circulation.

 

Arrhythmia

The irregular heartbeat of these conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter) is marked by their existence.

 

Diseases of the heart valves 

Prolapse, regurgitation, and stenosis of the aortic valve are all valve diseases.

 

Microvascular disease

This occurs when plaque forms in the small vessels supplying blood to the heart, causing angina. Females are more susceptible to angina than males.

 

Cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure

Conditions are caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs because the heart is not functioning properly.  

 

Congenital heart defects

Structured heart problems that are present at birth are categorized under this term. The septum, which separates the right and left sides of the heart, is one example of abnormally formed valves or holes.

 

Broken heart syndrome

The term refers to a temporary condition in which people experience sudden chest pains and tightness following stressful or unexpected circumstances. Men are more likely to experience this condition than women.

 

What is the procedure for diagnosing cardiovascular disease in women?

Both men and women undergo the same treatment for heart disease. Medication, angioplasty, stenting, coronary bypass surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation may be prescribed, depending on the diagnosis. If you want to delay heart disease's onset, your doctor may recommend changes in your lifestyle. Various studies show that women tend to be treated insufficiently in regard to heart disease, as women suffering a heart attack are much less likely to have their symptoms treated than men, resulting in an almost two-to-one death rate.

In light of this, women need to learn about their risk factors, as well as the symptoms of heart disease, in order to know how to avoid or treat their condition. Yale-New Haven Health's Women's Heart & Vascular Program is available for women concerned about their heart health. Their first visit will include a medical history form and a discussion with their medical care provider regarding their health history, diet and exercise habits, and any symptoms they may be experiencing.

“We want them to know that they’re being listened to—that they tell us their symptoms, and we take them seriously,” Dr. Freed says. The goal, she says, is to give women a diagnosis as soon as possible. “Either they end up finding that their cardiovascular health is good,” she says, “or we find risk factors that need to be managed, or we find coronary artery disease or an arrhythmia that needs to be treated.”

Blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels are checked by doctors using blood tests. The significance of abnormal levels and the associated risk factors for heart disease make it essential that patients understand the test results. “We try to empower women to take control of their health and to know what their numbers are so that they can be treated more effectively," says Dr. Freed. The symptoms of heart blockage in females are suspected if one of the following tests is ordered by a doctor:

 

Electrocardiogram 

A patch is wrapped around the arm, the leg, or the chest that has electrodes connected to it. When the patch is worn, the electrodes record your heartbeat as it travels all over your body. This might show if a heart attack or heart disease has caused damage to the cardiovascular system.

 

Stress Test 

During this test, you exercise on a treadmill while wearing electrodes. An alternative method is to use chemicals to simulate the heart's reaction to exercise. Echocardiography, nuclear medicine, PET, or MRI technologies may be used.

 

Echocardiography

An audio recording of your heart beating is created by using sound waves. It can be used to determine the size and shape of the heart, as well as any damage to certain parts.

 

Computerized tomography (CT) angiogram of the coronary arteries:

During a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the coronary arteries, you can directly see the blood flow.

 

Cardiac MRI 

An MRI scan provides a more detailed look at heart structure than a standard echocardiogram.

 

Coronary Angiography

During the procedure, dye is administered directly into coronary arteries to enhance their visibility on special X-rays. By tracing blood flow through the coronary arteries, doctors can identify blockages and heart attacks.

 

Conclusion

Women die from heart disease at a rate of one in four in the United States. Both men and women suffer from heart disease due to narrowing or blocking their coronary arteries, the vessels supplying blood to their hearts. The disease occurs slowly over time and is called coronary artery disease. Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease.

If women are to have better heart health, it is imperative that healthcare keeps pace with the realization of women's unique heart anatomy and makes sure this new understanding of women's heart health leads to more effective prevention, evaluation, and management. Additionally, women need to obtain information and empowerment and ensure their hearts are well-cared for. The chances of experiencing symptoms of heart blockage in females increase as they grow older. All women should take heart health seriously. Healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the chances of developing heart disease.

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Weight LossRegular sessions can help burn calories and boost metabolism, making it easier to manage or reduce weight over time.Discover more: How Yoga Supports Mental Health and Reduces AnxietyBikram Yoga Poses: The 26 Asanas Bikram Yoga has a structured format of 26 poses each designed to develop certain muscle groups and organs. Together these poses provide an entire workout. Here is an overview of some of Bikram Yoga asanas and their associated benefits:1. Standing Deep Breathing (Pranayama)To oxygenate the body and prepare it for the workout.2. Half Moon Pose with Hands to Feet PosePromotes spine flexibility and strengthens the core, arms, and shoulders.3. Awkward PoseFocuses on the thighs, calves, and spine while developing balance and coordination.4. Eagle PoseIncreases flexibility in the hips, shoulders, knees, and ankles, and helps with circulation.5. Standing Head to Knee PoseExercises concentration, balance, leg-building, and abdominal muscles.6. Standing Bow Pulling PoseBuilds circulation, leg strength, and improves spine elasticity.7. Balancing Stick PoseBuilds cardiovascular strength and full-body alignment.8. Standing Separate Leg Stretching PoseStretches the spine and hamstrings and aids in digestion.9. Triangle PosePerhaps the one of the best for Bikram Yoga positions for flexibility, strength, and detoxification.10. Tree Pose and Toe StandBuild ankle strength and posture, and balance.11. Dead Body Pose (Savasana)Allows absorption of benefits by the body and resting in between the sequences.12. Wind-Removing PoseAssists digestion and massages the colon.13. Cobra PoseStrengthens the lower back and tones the buttocks.14. Bow and Locust PosesOpen chest and shoulders; strengthen the spine and legs.15. Fixed Firm PoseImproves flexibility of the knee and ankle; strengthens lower limbs. 16. Half Tortoise PoseEnhances mental clarity and balances blood pressure.17. Camel PoseOpens the chest, improving spine flexibility and relieving emotional tension.18. Rabbit PoseStretches the spine and calms the nervous system.19. Head To Knee Pose With Stretching PoseStimulates internal organs and helps with digestion.20. Spine Twisting PoseImproves spinal mobility and blood circulation.21. Blowing in Firm Pose (Kapalabhati)Lung cleansing and invigorating the body to close the session.Bikram Yoga Advantages Over Traditional YogaIf you are considering whether Bikram Yoga could be your path, consider its advantages over any other style of yoga or fitness regime:1. Consistency of StructureUnlike vinyasa and hatha where routines may vary, in Bikram you can expect the structure to remain predictable. This allows you to keep track of your own progress over time.2. Fully Integrated Body WorkoutThis class moves through all systems and parts of the body-from muscles to joints and from organic systems to glands-Hence the class gives a truly holistic workout.3. Detox and RecoveryThe heat of the room induces a profuse sweat, promoting toxin elimination and muscle repair. Bikram Yoga is the choice of many athletes for post-workout recovery.4. Mental and Physical ToughnessThe atmosphere is deliberately taxing. Getting through the heat builds up mental strength and grit that are essential to both fitness and life.Who Can Practice Bikram Yoga?Bikram Yoga is appropriate for every fitness level, keeping scope from beginner to the advanced practitioners. But, it does require being in a small mental sphere of mind-especially for the first few sessions. You must consult your doctor if pregnant, have cardiovascular problems, or are sensitive to extreme heat.Don't Miss: 5 things to Remember to Practice Safe Yoga and Avoid InjuriesTips for First-TimersIf you're planning for your first session, here are some tips to prepare you:Have plenty of water before and after class to replace the fluids lost through sweating.Show up earlier to get acclimatized to the heated atmosphere.Take comfortable clothing, which is light and breathable.Bring along your yoga mat, towel, and water bottle.How to Add Bikram Yoga to Your Fitness RoutineYou don't need to replace your entire workout plan. Bikram Yoga can complement other forms of fitness like weight training, cardio, or running. Aim for 2-3 sessions per week to start, and increase frequency as your stamina improves.Pair it with strength training to enhance flexibility and mobility.Use it on rest days as active recovery.Add it as your main workout if you're looking for a low-impact but high-benefit alternative.Explore more: Unlocking The Miraculous Benefits of Ashtanga Vinyasa YogaConclusionBikram Yoga is more than just a series of asanas-it's a transformative journey for the body and mind. From increased flexibility and detoxification to improved mental focus and cardiovascular health, the benefits of Bikram Yoga are numerous and well-documented.By committing to the practice, you'll not only notice physical improvements but also gain a deeper sense of discipline, self-awareness, and inner peace. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone starting fresh on your wellness journey, Bikram Yoga can completely reshape your fitness routine-one sweaty, focused session at a time.

ashwagandha-plant-benefits

Ashwagandha Benefits and How to Use It in Your Daily Routine

In a time of unending high productivity and digital overstimulation, many seek balance, clarity, and restoration from ancient natural remedies. Ashwagandha is one of the most researched and respected of these remedies and an adaptogenic herb that has been utilized in Ayurveda medicine for thousands of years. Ashwagandha is celebrated for its usefulness and medicinal efficacy, offering a holistic remedy for modern stress, fatigue and hormonal imbalance, and other ailments.What is Ashwagandha?Sapitionally, ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is a small evergreen shrub that is native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Its roots and berries are the source of medicinal tonics, powders, and extracts found in Ayurvedic medicine that have been reported to rewrite the energy in the mind and body. The word "ashwagandha" translates to "smell of a horse," in Sanskrit; this is probably a reference to its distinctive aroma as well as for the strength it is believed to bestow.This herb has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and enhance concentration. Its adaptogenic qualities make it especially effective in helping the body manage stress responses by supporting adrenal function and promoting hormonal equilibrium. Rather than forcefully altering a biological system, Ashwagandha works to restore natural balance, which is why it remains such a trusted component in holistic health practices today.Learn More: Top 10 Herbs & Supplements: Depression Relief & StabilizersUnderstanding Adaptogenic HerbsThe idea of adaptogens is essential to understand the effects of Ashwagandha. Adaptogenic herbs are a class of restorative plants that help the body counteract the harmful effects of various physical, chemical, and biological stressors. These plants adapt their functionality based on your body's needs, whether this is tapping into the stimulatory effects to promote energy when fatigued or using the calming effects when unhinged.Adaptogens are different from pharmaceutical drugs, which target specific symptoms. Adaptogens can help address the fundamental problem of your body's stress system being out of balance because they support the body's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis plays a systemic role in our body's response to stress. Ashwagandha has undergone more research than most adaptogens and is considered to be one of the most potent adaptogens. It acts as a natural modulator of cortisol (the primary stress hormone) in that it will support the uptake of challenges we face in a healthy manner while minimizing the ultimate wear and tear that chronic stress causes our body.One thing that makes adaptogens such as Ashwagandha so unique is their bidirectional activity. This means that they aren't just stimulatory or sedating but instead working with the body to adapt, normalize or more properly use their functions. Because of this, Ashwagandha may be the perfect herb for those who are dealing with anxiety, burnout, hormonal imbalances, sleep disturbances, and mental fog.Ashwagandha for Stress ReliefStress mitigation is nearly always the best-known, and most universally appreciated, of all the benefits of Ashwagandha. Chronic stress is not just a mind issue-it's a body issue that can impact digestion, the immune system, sleep quality, and cardiovascular health. When the stress hormone cortisol is chronically elevated, the effects can lead to mood destabilization, poor concentration, high blood pressure, and the potential for weight gain.Ashwagandha works to mitigate stress at both the physiological and psychological levels. Clinical trials consistently show that long-term use of ashwagandha extract reduces cortisol levels, especially in patients experiencing chronic anxiety or burnout. One study published in "Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine" found that participants who consumed high-concentration ashwagandha extract experienced a 44% reduction in stress and anxiety scores, compared with placebo subjects. Participants experienced an accompanying increase in sleep quality, levels of energy and improvement in their emotional wellbeing.This makes Ashwagandha an effective herbal alternative to pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications, which often come with side effects or dependency risks. Daily supplementation of Ashwagandha may offer natural and sustainable relief for people dealing with long work hours, emotional upheaval, or frequent overwhelm.Exploring the 10 Benefits of Ashwagandha1. Natural Stress Reduction and Cortisol BalanceAs already mentioned, the ability of Ashwagandha to regulate cortisol levels is one of its signature qualities. Helping your body adapt to all kinds of stressors, whether acute or chronic, allows you to avoid descending into burnout, anxiety disorders, or immune suppression due to their potential prolonged presence. Following ingestion, many people find that their stress and anxiety responses are comparably calmer and more centered, often within a few days to weeks.2. Improved Sleep Quality and RelaxationIn this day and age of insomnia and restless sleep due to stressors, screen time, and disturbed circadian rhythms, we are all developing a better appreciation for sleep than ever. Ashwagandha contains some triethylene glycol (a natural compound that promotes sleep), that when consumed does not change sleep patterns like a sedative, instead it enhances your sleep quality by conserving your energy in addition to calming the nervous system and stabilizing nighttime cortisol spikes, making it easier to both fall asleep and stay asleep.Must Read: Adaptogens Ayurvedic Herbs for Weight Loss and Relaxation3. Enhanced Energy and VitalityIronically, while Ashwagandha helps promote better rest, it simultaneously improves energy levels and endurance in the daytime. Understanding that it positively affects mitochondrial function and adrenal control surrounding energy regulation. It emphasizes nourishing the body's vitality rather than overstimulating it, which is essential for those who suffer from general low energy, post-illness fatigue, and age-related physical decline.4. Improved Focus, Memory, and Cognitive FunctionAshwagandha also supports brain health. Research suggests it enhances memory, cognitive function, and information processing speed. This is due to its antioxidant effects in the brain and its role in regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA. It may even protect against cognitive decline linked to aging or neurodegenerative disorders.5. Enhanced Immunity and ResilienceStress, poor diet, or long-term inflammation often undermines immune health. Ashwagandha increases natural killer cell activity, supports white blood cell production, and greatly reduces illness and improves infection recovery.6. Hormonal Balance for Men and WomenAshwagandha has been demonstrated to influence hormonal activity positively. In men, it increases testosterone, sperm count, and motility. In women, ashwagandha may offer relief from PMS symptoms, regulating the cycle, and fertility matters regarding stress or thyroid dysfunction. This ability to balance hormones is especially relevant during menopause or with adrenal exhaustion.7. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant PropertiesChronic inflammation is at the root of so many of the chronic diseases we see today, such as, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Ashwagandha decreases the levels of inflammatory markers, such as CRP (C-reactive protein), and it is rich in antioxidant properties to protect the stones in oxidative stress. For those seeking preventative health and longevity, ashwagandha is a great addition to long-term supplemental intake.8. Cardiovascular Benefits and Heart HealthAshwagandha can positively affect the health of the heart by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol values, and improving circulation. This is primarily from its anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving properties.Check This Out: Best Antiviral Herbs To Heal And Boost Your Immune System9. Muscle Growth and Physical PerformanceFitness enthusiasts increasingly turn to Ashwagandha to improve strength, stamina, and muscle recovery. Studies show it increases muscle mass and decreases body fat with resistance training. It also lowers exercise-induced muscle damage, helping with faster post-workout recovery.10. Enhanced Emotional Well-being and Mood StabilityLastly, Ashwagandha helps regulate mood and emotional resilience. Its impact on serotonin pathways and cortisol regulation makes it an effective herb for managing symptoms of depression, mood swings, and emotional fatigue. It creates a sense of balance and inner calm, supporting emotional stability in facing life's challenges.How to Use Ashwagandha in Your Daily RoutineThe great thing about Ashwagandha is how easily it can be taken as part of your day-to-day life. Whether you take them as capsules (my preference), drink it as tea, or blend it in smoothies, there are a variety of options to suit your lifestyle and schedule.  Typically, the traditional form of Ashwagandha is powder. In Ayurveda, the powder is blended with warm milk, a pinch of turmeric and a spoon of honey into a soothing bedtime drink. Others blend the powder into smoothies or energy balls in the morning, especially if they are looking for some of Ashwagandha's invigorating benefits during the day.  Capsules or tablets are the most convenient forms of Ashwagandha, as they are often standardized at specific doses for concentrations of withanolides. Because they are convenient, they are good for people who travel; or busy lifestyles. Generally, the best time to take, capsules or tablets is based on your unique needs - take in the morning for more energy and focus and at night if you are looking for calming effects to aid relaxation or sleep.While Ashwagandha tea can be enjoyed on its own, it can also be combined with other calming herbs such as chamomile, tulsi, or some licorice for a particularly soothing herbal tea. Drinking ashwagandha tea in the evening will help soothe the nervous system and prepare you for a restful night's sleep.Using tinctures or liquid extracts of ashwagandha is a quick and quickly absorbed option that can be mixed with water or juice. Tinctures and liquid extracts of ashwagandha are extremely potent and best used with the guidance of a health care professional if you need to take a higher therapeutic dose.Ayurvedic massage practice uses topical ashwagandha oil or ghee for the purpose of enhancing physical calmness while also balancing the nervous system. Given the high rates of body tension and anxiety experienced by so many people today, this may serve the purpose of balance and grounding to help alleviate a state of nervous exhaustion during or after a busy routine.Also Read: Ashwagandha: Learn Its Benefits, Side Effects And MoreConclusionAshwagandha is not a passing fad in health and well-being-it is a time-tested herbal ally that continues to show its value in today's wellness landscape. Whenever there is a notion of helping the body tolerate stress more efficiently, heightening energy levels, regulating hormone production and keeping the mind sharp will help people balance, feel resilient and live life differently. Given its versatility, I believe ashwagandha can offer gentle and enduring support when needed and bring profound support for emotional burnout, sleeping challenges, physical fatigue or days of busyness.