#4: Beyond the beat – women's heart health [part 1]

What you’ll learn:In this episode, we dive into what every woman needs to know about heart health, from common symptoms that often go overlooked to proactive steps you can take to protect your heart. We are joined by Dr. Paula Pinell-Salles, a co-founder of the Inova Women’s Cardiovascular program. She is board certified in cardiovascular disease and specializes in general cardiology and vascular medicine. In part 1 of this episode, we uncover the unique challenges women face with heart disease and share ways you can partner with your provider to prioritize your heart health. Featured guest: Paula Pinell-Salles, MD, FACCCardiologistInova Women’s Cardiovascular Health Key takeaways with chapter markers:Why underrecognized risk and atypical symptoms make it harder to diagnosis heart disease in women [1:12]How microvascular disfunction can present the same risk as blockages of large arteries [3:00]Risks and health markers women should discuss with their doctors [5:55]New risk factors, like autoimmune disorders, added to prevention guidelines for women [8:30]How regular cholesterol profiles from a young age can provide a better picture of lifetime risk [11:12]Eligibility and insurance coverage for heart screenings [13:20]When women 45 and older, or with certain risk markers or family history, should consider a baseline coronary calcium score test [13:55]How diabetes, genetically driven high cholesterol or smoking dramatically increase heart risk in women, regardless of age [14:22]FAQs:Are women really at risk for heart disease?Yes, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and can affect women at any age.Do men and women experience the same symptoms with heart disease?Not always. Many women do not experience chest pain or shortness of breath which are the top symptoms we typically associate with heart disease. Women often describe other symptoms including a dull pain in the back, jaw or shoulders,  nausea and abdominal pain, or dizziness and lightheadedness.What are the main risk factors of heart disease?High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, excess weight, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, drinking too much alcohol, stress and depression are all risk factors of heart disease.