Heart Attack Risk for Women: Expert Warns They're 'Deadlier' & 6 Crucial Lifestyle Shifts You Need Now

2025-06-28
Heart Attack Risk for Women: Expert Warns They're 'Deadlier' & 6 Crucial Lifestyle Shifts You Need Now
Hindustan Times

The sudden passing of actress Shefali Jariwala at just 42 has sent shockwaves through India, highlighting the alarming reality of heart attacks in women. Cardiologists are increasingly vocal about the fact that heart attacks in women often present differently and can be significantly more dangerous than in men. This tragic event serves as a vital wake-up call.
Why are heart attacks in women more dangerous? Traditionally, heart attack symptoms in men (like crushing chest pain) are well-known. However, women often experience atypical symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, back or jaw pain, and fatigue – which can be easily dismissed or misdiagnosed. This delayed recognition can lead to crucial treatment delays, resulting in more extensive heart muscle damage and a higher mortality rate. Furthermore, women tend to have smaller coronary arteries, which can contribute to the severity of the attack.
Shefali Jariwala's Passing: A Stark Reminder The loss of Shefali Jariwala underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive heart health management. While the specific cause of her death is still under investigation, it serves as a poignant reminder that heart disease is a leading cause of death for women in South Africa and globally.
6 Lifestyle Changes to Protect Your Heart Health Today: While genetics and family history play a role, significant lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce your risk. Here's what you can do:
  1. Prioritize Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. This could be anything from brisk walking to swimming or cycling.
  2. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium. The Mediterranean diet is often recommended.
  3. Manage Stress Effectively: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your heart. Explore stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature.
  4. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can increase blood pressure and inflammation.
  5. Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.
  6. Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Discuss any family history of heart disease and any concerning symptoms you may be experiencing.
Don't Ignore the Signs: If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention: chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, or pain in your arm, jaw, or back. Early intervention can save your life.
Empower Yourself: Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about heart disease risk factors and symptoms, and take proactive steps to protect your heart health. Discuss your concerns with your doctor and work together to develop a personalized heart health plan. Shefali Jariwala’s legacy can be a catalyst for positive change, inspiring women across South Africa to prioritize their cardiovascular wellbeing.

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