We tend to think of heart disease as a man's problem, but women face their own heart dangers. Although more men than women seem to develop heart problems, women's heart problems are often more severe. Researchers in Spain recently concluded that women's first heart attacks are more severe than men's, and women are much more likely to die. Women are more than 70 percent more likely than men to die within six months of their first heart attack, partly because women are usually older when they have their first attack. Another possible reason for the disparity is that men are more likely to receive clot-busting drugs soon after their heart attacks.
Women are also more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes, which raise heart attack risks.
Another heart risk that harms women is loneliness. Doctors in Sweden found that women with severe heart disease were less likely to have supportive social connections. The researchers presume that feelings of isolation can lead to health-harming behaviors like smoking and drinking, and that can raise stress levels. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say women need to be aware that they aren't immune to heart problems. They need to practice preventive measures, and to seek help when they think there's a serious problem.