Tales from our Women's Health Hub
Cardiovascular disease kills more women each year than all cancers combined.*
‘Cardio’ refers to the heart, and the ‘vascular system’ includes all blood vessels and arteries. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects both, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes.
Studies show women are more likely to die from heart attacks due to delayed treatment and insufficient management of high blood pressure and cholesterol. We need to change the misconception that heart disease is only a male issue.
Women’s Health Check case study
A 75-year-old woman attended our women's health check recently, seeking what she described as an "MOT" due to her family history of cardiovascular disease—both her mother and father had suffered from this condition. Since turning 75 years old she knew that her free NHS health checks had come to an end, but she had been told that she had white coat hypertension.
The patient described her vision as being so blurred that it was like she was constantly looking through a bathroom window. She had cataracts and needed surgery. However, due to her raised blood pressure readings taken on the day of her surgery, she was unable to have the procedure.
She had headaches frequently, and especially during stressful life situations, she felt exhausted and was lying in bed feeling her heart racing. This patient was a carer for her husband with Parkinson’s disease and she wanted to stay well to look after him.
How can women know if they are at risk of cardiovascular disease?
In general practice we use what is called the QRISK Score. This estimates a person's risk of developing CVD within the next 10 years, based on factors like age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, and medical history.
Appointment with a nurse: You'll visit a healthcare professional, such as a nurse, who will collect important health information.
Investigations performed:
- Blood pressure: This measures the force of blood against your artery walls.
- Height and weight: These are used to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI), which can indicate obesity or other health issues.
Medical history: Your personal and family medical history is reviewed, including factors like existing conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits.
Blood test: A blood sample is taken to measure cholesterol levels and possibly other markers that contribute to cardiovascular risk.
QRISK score calculation: The score is computed using the collected data and personal details. It estimates your risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years.
Decision making: Based on your QRISK score, healthcare professionals can suggest lifestyle changes (e.g. diet, exercise) or medical treatments (e.g. medication) to help reduce your risk.
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The impact of high blood pressure on cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for CVD, often contributing to heart attacks and strokes by putting extra strain on the heart and vessels.
I am staggered by how many women in their midlife years have high blood pressure. Many think it’s symptomless, but it isn’t. I see women with headaches, dizziness, fatigue, the feeling of their heart racing, and breathlessness.
Identifying blood pressure problems and managing them can help alleviate those symptoms and reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
What is white coat hypertension?
White coat hypertension is an increase in blood pressure when in a clinical environment. Many women we see have been diagnosed with this condition. However, a leading women’s cardiologist, Angela Maas, cautions against dismissing a woman's elevated blood pressure as mere white coat hypertension. She stresses that such dismissals can overlook genuine cardiovascular risks. Accurate assessment is crucial to avoid underestimating the condition, as it can lead to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.**
I find it very interesting as a GP to try to understand whether a patient’s blood pressure rises in clinical environments such as at the surgery or at a hospital appointment.
Check your risk of cardiovascular disease
Here at The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead, we offer a comprehensive health check where we can measure your QRISK score to address factors that may be contributing to your score. The health check, which we recommend patients attend annually, can also include cancer screening for breast and bowel cancer and can provide insights into cholesterol, thyroid, and vitamin levels, as well as liver and kidney function.
For our case study patient, we reviewed her home blood pressure readings, which revealed consistently high levels. A QRISK calculation indicated a higher-than-expected risk for her age group. We informed her GP, who prescribed blood pressure medication. As a result, her blood pressure is now within the normal range, and her headaches and palpitations have ceased. She has regained energy and has been re-listed for cataract surgery.
Dr Sloan’s top tips for preventing cardiovascular disease
- Regular health check-ups: Regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels can help detect early signs of CVD.
- Healthy lifestyle choices: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress and depression, more prevalent in women, can negatively impact heart health. Practices like yoga, meditation, and therapy can be beneficial.
- Stop smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease, and quitting is one of the most effective ways to improve heart health.
- Eat healthily: Focus on cooking from scratch and choose your food wisely. Avoid saturated fat and try to eat more fish oils and follow a Mediterranean diet. Avoid sugary snacks, or if you want to treat yourself to something sweet, eat it with your meal rather than between meals. This helps maintain better sugar level control. Keep salt intake low by trying not to add it to food.
- Drink alcohol within safe limits: No more than 14 units per week
- Be proactive around your health: I would recommend keeping an eye on your blood pressure. Investing in a home blood pressure machine, which you can buy online or at a local pharmacy, could save your life. Maintain a blood pressure 140 / 90 or less.
- Notice changes in your health: If something doesn’t feel or seem right, in my experience it probably isn’t right. You need to ask a doctor for advice. Far too often patients ignore a change in bowel habit, or a chest pain, or a drain in energy levels. It might be time for a check-up.
Book a Women's Health Check at The McIndoe Centre
We believe preventive care and early detection of health risks are key to long-term wellness. Our comprehensive assessment covers a broad spectrum of women’s health tests, all conducted on the same day, to provide an overview of your health status.
Take charge of your wellbeing and book an appointment with one of our GP and Women's Health Specialists at The McIndoe Centre.
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