Don't Underestimate Stress in Women, Heart Disease Can Stalk You

KOMPAS.com – Poor management of stress to depression can trigger problems in the heart and blood vessels. Psychological distress can lead to the release of catecholamines and glucocorticoids into the blood which eventually increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Cardiologist and blood vessel specialist at Mayapada Hospital South Jakarta, dr. Ika K Dhanudibroto, SpJP explained that the incidence of depression in women is twice as high as men.

High levels of stress in women are related to comorbidities, physical and mental status, conflict in the family, family responsibilities and financial difficulties. The condition contributes to heart and blood vessel disease.

"Stress-related heart disease is known as 'Broken Heart Syndrome' or 'Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy'. This disease is more common in women than men, especially in the menopause phase, and triggered by emotional stress," he said when contacted Kompas.com, Tuesday (05/18/2021).

According to Dr. Ika, the symptoms experienced are similar to acute Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), but on follow-up evaluation there was no significant blockage of coronary arteries. This disorder causes impaired segmental heart function, but is temporary, the recovery is perfect and fast.

"The symptoms are similar to a heart attack. Usually, it is triggered by extreme stress. For example, one week ago her husband had just died. He was depressed, really like a broken heart," said Dr. Ika.

Although able to recover by itself, this patient needs good assistance and rehabilitation to suppress the stress experienced.

Get information, inspiration and insights in your emails.
Register an email

Apart from Broken Heart Syndome, the prevalence of CHD was also higher in women.

The results of the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) of the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) of the Republic of Indonesia in 2013 showed that based on gender, the prevalence of CHD in women is 1.6 percent. In men, the prevalence is only 1.3 percent.

When compared to men, the percentage growth of cardiovascular disease in women is 10-20 years slower. This is due to the biological differences between women and men. The dominant estrogen hormone in the female body minimizes the risk of the disease.

"So, in the presence of the hormone estrogen, women actually benefit because it can protect from CHD. That's why with increasing age and decreased estrogen levels after menopause, the risk of CHD in new women increases," said Dr. Ika.

Unfortunately, female patients usually have difficulty recognizing the symptoms of heart disease that they feel. This is due to cardiovascular symptoms in women similar to other diseases.

Unlike men who feel chest pain, heart problems in women do not have typical symptoms. Therefore, many ignore these complaints.

In general, the symptoms felt are shortness of breath, excessive sweating, pain in the heartburn, nausea, and excessive fatigue. These symptoms are similar to those of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In fact, not a few women who think that these symptoms are symptoms of regular colds.

"Because the complaint is not typical, often patients ignore it, this causes delays in diagnosis and procedures," said Dr. Ika.

In addition, continued dr. Ika, gender and cultural bias in Indonesian society makes awareness of heart health in women still low.

"Many people think the health of husbands or men as breadwinners is more important than women, many medical professionals think CHD is a disease of men," he added.

That's why, says dr. If, preventing and modifying the risk factors that cause heart disease is very important.

Risk factors for heart disease are hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking habits, hypercholeerolemia, and a family history of heart disease.

The way to prevent heart disease is to improve your lifestyle. This effort can be done by regulating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as well as stop smoking.

However, to maintain heart health, exercise should not be done carelessly, should not be over trained. Doctor Ika recommends exercising at a moderate intensity for 150 minutes per week.

In addition, dr. Ika said, if you have risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, then blood pressure and blood sugar levels must be controlled to reach the target recommended by doctors.
Similarly, for those who have problems with cholesterol and obesity, they should lower cholesterol levels and go on a healthy diet.

The recommended diet includes fruits, vegetables, low-fat foods, high potassium and calcium, as well as a salt intake restriction of 2.4 grams per day.

Don't forget, dr. Ika also advises women to avoid stress. Increase physical activity and social support in order to increase confidence and be able to manage stress well.

However, if you have risk factors or symptoms that lead to heart problems, dr. Ika advises to immediately consult a doctor. This is so that the patient immediately gets the right diagnosis and treatment.

"So, the doctor will perform a careful anamnesis, physical examination, then electrocardiography (ECG), as well as if necessary cardiac ultrasound and heart training tests. Thus, it can be known whether the complaint is related to heart disease or not," he explained.

You can visit the Cardiovascular Center owned by Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan. Cardiovascular Center at the hospital is equipped with facilities to detect early heart disease, ranging from diagnosis, treatment, advance treatment catheterization and heart surgery, to integrated cardiac rehabilitation.

With international standard heart and vascular specialists, heart surgery, and heart rehabilitation professionals, Mayapada Hospital is a great place for you to start getting your heart healthy checked.

For information, in the third quarter of 2021, Mayapada Hospital will open a branch in Surabaya, East Java. Precisely, it is located at Jalan Majjen Sungkono number 20, West Surabaya.

Thus, you who are in Surabaya and surrounding areas can check the health at this health facility.