Medically reviewed by Dr. Aneta Dimova, MD
As summer fades into fall, many women get caught up in the whirlwind of back-to-school activities, work deadlines and a family calendar filled with fall events. While the season brings a sense of renewal and routine, it can also distract you from the early warning signs your heart sends. Recognizing how fall routines can mask cardiac symptoms is crucial, as early detection can lead to better outcomes.
Your Heart Health in the Fall
With a bustling schedule, it’s easy to overlook or dismiss subtle heart symptoms, attributing them instead to stress, fatigue or the demands of daily life. The pressure to keep everything running smoothly—work, marriage, family, all of it—can push you to internalize your feelings, making it hard to notice when something feels off.
As women prioritize everyone else over their own self-care, signs like fatigue, shortness of breath and chest discomfort can get ignored, potentially masking underlying heart conditions that need attention. This is why staying mindful of your heart health matters, even during the most hectic seasons.
Recognizing Heart Symptoms
Women don’t always experience the classic signs of heart issues. Conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attacks and heart failure may present with fatigue, nausea or back pain instead of chest pain, a more commonly recognized heart symptom. Atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, microvascular disease and peripartum cardiomyopathy can also show mild symptoms that are easily dismissed. In addition, hypertension and high cholesterol levels might progress without noticeable signs, leading to serious complications.
When you’re busy, it’s easy to overlook symptoms such as:
- Fatigue: Are you tired because of a hectic schedule, or is it a heart problem?
- Shortness of breath: Rushing from school pick-ups to meetings and more, you might experience cardiac strain.
- Chest discomfort: Pressure, fullness or pain in your chest should always be addressed, even if it seems minor.
- Back, neck or jaw pain: Chronic pain can indicate heart issues, especially if it gets worse over time.
- Increased anxiety or stress: While stress is common in the fall, if it becomes overwhelming, it could impact heart health.
Taking Care of Your Heart Health
The cooler temperatures of fall can exacerbate existing cardiovascular conditions. As the air cools, your blood vessels constrict and your blood pressure rises. Additionally, with the onset of flu season and upcoming holiday stress, your heart might be under more strain than you realize.
Monitoring your heart health is crucial during this transitional period. Here’s how:
- Schedule regular check-ups: Make heart health a priority by scheduling regular check-ups with your physician, especially if you notice any symptoms.
- Stay active: Amid busy routines, try to incorporate physical activity into your day. Even short walks or family outings can boost heart health.
- Eat heart-healthy foods: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit salt, sugar and unhealthy fats, which can negatively impact heart health.
- Manage stress: Find healthy coping mechanisms for stress. This could be through yoga, meditation or taking time to unwind.
- Stay hydrated: As temperatures drop and heaters are turned on, indoor air can become dry. Staying hydrated supports overall health, including heart health.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine: The fall season often involves increased consumption of alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks. Moderation is key to maintaining your heart health.
- Listen to your body: If you experience any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Being proactive can make all the difference.
As life speeds up, take time to check in with your heart health. Awareness, action and self-care can help you enjoy fall while protecting your well-being.
WMCHealth is here to help. Our Cardiovascular Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (CHPDP) program advocates for proactive heart-healthy practices that can lower your risk of heart disease. CHPDP can help you work toward goals such as reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, lowering blood pressure, losing weight and minimizing the risk of developing a heart condition.
Learn more about CHPDP and cardiovascular care at WMCHealth or call 866-WMC-HEART to schedule an appointment with one of our cardiovascular specialists.