Did you know that women are twice as likely to die from coronary heart disease than breast cancer? Despite being the leading cause of death in women worldwide, many heart conditions go undetected until a serious event like a heart attack or stroke occurs. The challenge? Heart disease symptoms in women often differ from men’s, making early diagnosis more difficult.
Early detection is key to preventing severe complications. Traditional tests like blood pressure monitoring and cholesterol screenings provide a baseline for heart health. Advanced screenings like Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring, hs-CRP tests, and Lipoprotein(a) testing help uncover hidden risks before symptoms appear. New AI-powered ECG analysis tools, such as AIRE, are being developed to predict gender-specific heart risks earlier than ever.
By knowing which tests to take and when to take them, women can reduce their risk of heart disease and improve long-term heart health.
In the UAE, where cardiovascular disease is on the rise among women, hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Heart Centre emphasise the importance of early screenings and regular check-ups. Genetic testing for lipoprotein(a) is also gaining popularity to identify hereditary risks for heart attacks and strokes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 50% of adults have at least one major risk factor for heart disease, including high cholesterol, hypertension, or diabetes. Early testing combined with lifestyle changes can dramatically improve survival rates.
This blog explores the best tests for detecting early-stage cardiovascular disease in women, helping with timely diagnosis, risk assessment, and proactive heart health management.
Importance of Early Detection for Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Heart disease claims the lives of thousands each year. In the U.S., it causes 695,000 deaths annually—about one in every five people. Women often face delays in diagnosis as symptoms may differ from men.
Early testing can reduce these risks and improve survival rates.
Many women underestimate their cardiovascular risk factors. Nearly half of American adults have at least one major factor like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Experts emphasise that early detection saves lives by preventing severe complications such as heart failure or a heart attack.
Women are twice as likely to die from coronary heart disease than breast cancer in the UK.
Overlooking warning signs leads to dangerous outcomes later on. Taking early steps allows healthcare professionals to create more effective plans for managing blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, and cardiovascular health successfully.
Recognising Early Warning Signs of Heart Disease in Women
Chest pain, especially during physical activity, can signal a problem with coronary arteries. Women may also experience shortness of breath, fatigue, or dizziness. These signs are sometimes mistaken for less severe conditions.
Irregular heartbeats might feel like skipped beats or rapid pounding in the chest. High blood pressure is another warning sign that must not be ignored. Other symptoms include swelling in the legs (linked to poor blood flow) and discomfort in the neck, jaw, or back—common before a heart attack.
Advanced Diagnostic Tests
Modern tests help detect heart problems early, improving health and saving lives—find out how these tools work.
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score
A Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score helps identify calcium build-up in your coronary arteries. It uses a non-invasive CT scan to measure calcified plaque. This plaque can obstruct blood flow, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease or even a heart attack.
The test provides a score indicating the level of risk for heart problems.
Early detection from this screening can support lifestyle changes and treatments like cholesterol-lowering medicines. Women with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol levels may find this test particularly beneficial.
Early action enhances cardiovascular health and minimises future risks.
A CAC score highlights hidden risks before symptoms appear.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) Test
The hs-CRP test measures inflammation in the body. It helps identify women at risk for cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and heart attack. High levels of C-reactive protein in the blood can signal ongoing inflammation, a key risk factor for heart issues.
Regular screening with this test supports early detection. Combined with other checks like cholesterol monitoring and blood pressure assessment, it provides critical insights into a woman’s heart health.
Early intervention through tests like hs-CRP improves treatment outcomes and promotes better cardiovascular care.
Lipoprotein(a) Testing
Lipoprotein(a) testing checks levels of a specific type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). High levels increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, especially in women. Family history and age can affect Lipoprotein(a) levels.
This makes it important to track them early.
Elevated Lipoprotein(a) can lead to clogged arteries, heart attacks, or strokes. Early detection allows better prevention and treatment plans. Including this test in routine blood tests helps reduce the chance of severe heart issues quickly.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Test
This test provides a precise method to detect early heart disease. It measures the thickness of the carotid artery’s walls using ultrasound. Thicker walls can indicate build-up in blood vessels and increased risks for coronary artery disease or stroke.
CIMT is highly effective at identifying cardiovascular risk well before symptoms such as high blood pressure or chest pain arise. Healthcare professionals frequently suggest it for women with insulin resistance, high cholesterol, or other risk factors for heart disease.
Early action based on CIMT results can help prevent heart attacks and promote better cardiovascular health.
Emerging Technologies in Cardiovascular Screening
New technologies help doctors find heart problems early. These tools can predict risks and improve treatment plans.
AI-Powered ECG Analysis
AI-powered ECG analysis can find hidden heart risks early. A model by Imperial College London, funded by the British Heart Foundation, studied over one million ECGs from 180,000 people.
This includes 98,000 women. It compares ECG patterns for men and women to spot high cardiovascular disease risk in females.
The model, called AIRE, helps detect conditions like coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease before symptoms appear. Its advanced screening offers hope for prevention of cardiovascular disease in women with high blood pressure or bad cholesterol levels.
NHS trials are set for late 2025 to bring this technology into routine care.
Genetic Testing for Cardiovascular Risk
Genetic testing helps identify risks for cardiovascular disease. It analyses your DNA to find inherited traits linked to heart issues. A strong family history of coronary artery disease or early heart attacks raises concern.
This test is useful if your parent had heart disease before age 55 (father) or 65 (mother).
It detects genetic variants like Lipoprotein(a), known as Lp(a). High levels increase chances of stroke, high blood pressure, or coronary heart disease. The American Heart Association highlights this as a key factor in unexplained cases of early-onset heart attack.
Testing offers better insight into managing cholesterol levels and adopting lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation or increased physical activity.
Conclusion
Early tests can save lives. Tools like CAC scoring, hs-CRP testing, and ECG screenings are vital for women’s heart health. These tests are easy to access and offer clear results.
AI-powered technologies make screening faster and more accurate today. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals improve detection chances even further. Take steps now to protect your heart—it’s worth it!
For more detailed information on recognising the symptoms early, visit our page on early warning signs of heart disease in women.
Also, Read:
- Understanding the differences in heart disease symptoms between women and men can help in early diagnosis and prevention.
- Routine cardiovascular tests are essential for detecting high blood pressure in women over 50, a major risk factor for heart disease.
FAQs for Early Detection of Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Dr. Aisha Rahman is a board-certified internal medicine specialist with over 12 years of clinical experience in chronic disease management and preventive healthcare. She has worked at leading hospitals across the UAE, helping patients manage conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.
A strong advocate for preventive medicine, Dr. Rahman emphasizes early diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and patient education to reduce chronic illness risks. She is an active member of the Emirates Medical Association and has contributed to health awareness programs and medical research initiatives. Her expertise has been featured in The National UAE, Gulf Health Magazine, and leading medical journals. As a keynote speaker at healthcare conferences, she shares insights on evidence-based treatments, patient-centered care, and advancements in internal medicine.
Dr. Omar Al-Farsi is a clinical nutritionist and medical researcher with over 15 years of experience in dietary science, metabolic disorders, and preventive healthcare. He has served as a senior consultant for UAE healthcare authorities and contributed to public health initiatives focused on nutrition education and disease prevention.
Dr. Al-Farsi has collaborated with leading hospitals, research institutions, and universities in the UAE, ensuring that health information is scientifically accurate and evidence-based. His research has been published in Gulf Medical Journal, Dubai Health Review, and WHO Nutrition Reports, making significant contributions to nutrition science and public health awareness.