Cardiologist Janneke Wittekoek specializes in women's heart health. She warns that women aged 40-55 with demanding lives are especially vulnerable to stress-induced heart attacks.
In an interview, Dr. Wittekoek notes that many general practitioners and cardiologists still fixate on blocked arteries as the primary cause of heart attacks, often overlooking stress-related cases.
Dr. Wittekoek sees women daily battling heart problems triggered by excessive stress. "Women aged 40-55 often manage hectic schedules, suboptimal lifestyles, and declining estrogen," she explains. "Menopause places significant strain on the heart's blood vessels."
After a high-stress day, symptoms like chest pain, discomfort between the shoulder blades, or a tight bra sensation might not immediately suggest a heart attack. Severe spasms can feel fatal. If heart arteries appear clear on tests, stress is frequently missed as the culprit.
Stress-induced heart attacks in women are a major blind spot in healthcare, according to Dr. Wittekoek. Unlike classic infarctions from arterial blockages, these stem from vessel spasms. Staying calm is vital—panic and hyperventilation worsen symptoms. Recognizing this condition improves communication with doctors and cardiologists.
Source: Linda. Image: Getty Images
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