Women Should Start a Prevention Plan Before Menopause

The Go Red for Women 2016 survey results revealed that only 10% of Singaporean women are aware that cardiovascular disease is their leading cause of death. Yet, most women are not treated for the disease until they are in their 50s and 60s. As women have a low prevalence of heart disease until menopause, those with risk factors (i.e. hypertension, high cholesterol and family history) should discuss with their doctors in their 40s, to begin a preventive regimen. Ask your doctor to refer you to a cardiologist, if need be.

Heart disease symptoms for women can be atypical and include:

• Extreme weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath
• Discomfort, pressure, heaviness or pain in the chest, arm, below the breastbone or in the middle of the back
• Sweating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness
• Fullness, indigestion, tightness in the throat area
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat