Vascular disease is often considered a condition that affects mostly men, but the reality is very
different. Heart and vascular disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, and
many symptoms in women go unnoticed, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed—simply because
they don’t always appear the same way they do in men.
Women experience unique risk factors, lifestyle influences, and hormonal changes that affect
how vascular diseases develop and present symptoms. Understanding these differences can
save lives through early detection and timely treatment.
Why Women Often Go Undiagnosed
Many women ignore early symptoms or mistake them for stress, fatigue, or aging. Studies show
that women are more likely to delay seeking medical help, and their symptoms are frequently
misinterpreted—even in emergency situations. This delay increases the risk of serious
complications such as:
● Stroke
● Heart attack
● Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
● Chronic limb ischemia
● Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
● Varicose veins and venous insufficiency
Awareness is the first step toward prevention.
How Vascular Disease Symptoms Differ in Women
While men may experience more classic, intense warning signs like chest pain or clear leg pain
during walking, women tend to experience subtle, non-specific symptoms, which makes
diagnosis more challenging.
Common Symptoms in Women Include:
● Unusual fatigue or weakness
● Shortness of breath without chest pain
● Lightheadedness or dizziness
● Jaw, neck, or back discomfort
● Nausea or indigestion-like discomfort
● Swelling in legs or ankles
● Coldness or numbness in feet or toes
● Leg cramps or heaviness when walking
Many women describe symptoms as “just feeling off”—which leads to underdiagnosis and
delayed treatment.
Why Women Experience Different Symptoms
- Hormonal & Biological Differences
Estrogen naturally protects blood vessels before menopause. After menopause, the risk of
vascular disease increases dramatically. - Smaller Arteries
Women generally have narrower arteries, leading to faster progression of plaque buildup and
blockages. - Different Risk Profiles
Women face higher risks due to:
● Autoimmune diseases (more common in women)
● Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
● Menopause-related changes
● Use of birth control pills combined with smoking - Stress & Emotional Health
Women are more prone to stress-related vascular responses such as microvascular disease,
which does not appear on routine cardiac tests.
Women & Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD restricts blood flow to the legs and feet. Unlike men, who commonly feel sharp calf pain,
women may feel swelling, heaviness, or mild cramping and dismiss it as aging or inactivity.
Untreated PAD can lead to ulcers, infections, and limb amputation.
When Should Women See a Vascular Specialist?
You should seek evaluation if you experience:
● Persistent leg or foot pain
● Slow-healing wounds
● Tingling, numbness, or cold feet
● Visible varicose veins with discomfort
● Sudden swelling or pain in one leg (possible DVT emergency)
Early screening can prevent disability, stroke, or limb loss.
How Women Can Protect Their Vascular Health
● Schedule regular check-ups with a vascular or cardiology specialist
● Maintain a balanced diet low in salt and saturated fats
● Exercise regularly (30 minutes daily)
● Stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake
● Manage stress and sleep well
● Control diabetes, high blood pressure & cholesterol
Women’s vascular health matters—and early detection saves lives. If you or someone you love
experiences any unusual symptoms, don’t ignore them. Your body knows when something is
wrong.
Book a Women’s Vascular Health Check-up at Go Vascular Hospital:
https://www.govascular.com/
