Women and the Increasing Risk of Heart Disease

Due to changing lifestyles the cases of cardiovascular diseases in women are on a rise. Know the reasons, symptoms and precautions to safeguard yourself.

 

For a long time ‘heart diseases’ and ‘women’ were not considered a thing. Heart disease was considered to be more of a man’s disease. However, this is no longer the case. A report on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among women, published in The Lancet last year, indicates a rise OF CVD among women in India and other populous nations such as China and Indonesia. Deteriorating quality of lifestyle, increase in stress and other risk factors are some of the common causes behind this. While taking precautions is crucial, awareness is the key to keeping the problem at bay.

Here in this article, we have attempted to bring you a holistic picture of heart diseases in women to help you take the necessary steps for prevention. Let’s dive in!

 

Why does heart disease affect women differently?

Numerous studies show that the manifestation of heart disease in women occurs much later (7 to 10 years later) in women compared to men. This is because of the higher level of estrogen hormone found in a woman’s body compared to men. Studies have shown that in women of reproductive age the incidence of heart disease is lesser than men of the same age mostly due to the protective role of estrogen. Which is why post menopausal women are at a higher risk of developing CVD than pre menopausal women.

Reasons Behind Heart Diseases in Women

Nowadays there has been an evident increase in the cases of CVD and heart-related fatalities in women of all ages and ethnicities due to numerous reasons. Some of these are listed below: 

 

  • Underdiagnosis: Due to the long held belief that the chances of heart disease is lesser compared to men, women neglect their symptoms and are often underdiagnosed for heart diseases. 
  • Atypical symptoms: Contrary to clear symptoms in men like severe chest pain or tightness, in women the symptoms are less recognizable such as pain or discomfort in the back, neck, jaws, arms, or stomach –  shortness of breath, lightheadedness, cold sweats, fatigue or nausea and vomiting. 
  • Socio-cultural set-up: In many countries and cultures, including India, a woman is relegated to the role of a caregiver and how and when women seek help for health issues is protected by patriarchal norms, leading to her health being often neglected.
  • Increasing risk factors: Changing lifestyles and increased stress levels lead to an increase in some of the risk factors that impact a woman’s heart health. Let’s discuss this in detail. 
Risk Factors Leading to CVD in Women

Depending on the socio-economic backgrounds of different countries the risk factors in men and women can differ. For example, in many cultures, smoking and alcohol are accepted practices in the case of men as compared to women. This naturally makes men more prone to CVD. However, there are many other risk factors as well for heart disease. And with changing lifestyles there has been a massive increase in the risk factors of heart diseases in women. Here are some of the most common risk factors:  

 

    • Diabetes: A woman with diabetes is two to four times more prone to heart diseases as compared to men. 
    • Obesity: In general women tend to have more fat deposits compared to men, especially around the abdominal region which is a major reason for CVD. 
    • Smoking and alcohol: Studies say that women are more sensitive to smoking, alcohol, and drugs compared to men. According to research, women older than 35 who smoke and take birth control pills are more prone to the risk of heart disease or stroke. 
    • Lack of physical activity: Physical inactivity is one of the major risk factors for CVD. Less active people have a 30-50 percent greater risk of developing high blood pressure
    • Poor diet: A diet high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt and irregular diet patterns can lead to other risk factors like high blood pressure, and cholesterol which in turn can lead to CVD. 
    • Emotional stress and depression: Research says that the relationship between psychosocial stress and CHD seems to be stronger in women than in men.  
    • Menopause: A research by American Heart Association, premature menopause can be one of the reasons for developing CVD in women. 
    • Family History: There are numerous studies that suggest higher chances of passing over the risk of CVD to the next generation. One such finding indicates that siblings of patients with CVD have about a 40% risk increase, while offspring with parents of CVD history have a 60% to 75% risk increase. 
    • Pregnancy-related complications: Increased heart rate during pregnancy especially during the third trimester can lead to ischemic events leading to heart failure or other heart-related complications.
Symptoms of CVD in Women

One of the major reasons why CVD goes undiagnosed or unrecognised in the case of women is the difference in symptoms as compared to men. Unlike men, most women do not necessarily experience classical symptoms in case of a heart attack like chest or arm pain. Women need to watch out for: 

 

  • Indigestion
  • back pain 
  • shortness of breath
  • nausea
  • extreme fatigue and light-headedness
  • Jaw pain 
  • Upper back, shoulder, or throat pain
  • Anxiety
  • Sleeplessness

in some cases, pain in the chest may spread to the arm

How Can I Prevent CVD?

Once you are aware of the high-risk factors and symptoms of CVD as a woman,prevention becomes easier. Some of the common practices which can help you prevent CVD are:

  • To quit smoking and moderate your alcohol intake
  • Taking a well-balanced diet enriched with whole grains, proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fruits, and nuts, at regular intervals.
  • Managing stress and high-risk factors. 
  • Regular exercise and managing an optimum weight. 
  • Take care of your emotional well-being.
The Final Word

One thing which can make a huge difference in your endeavour to protect yourself from CVD is getting regular check-ups done. A general check-up once every 6 months will help you be aware of your risk factors like sugar and cholesterol levels, blood pressure, etc., and manage your health in a better way. Remember that early diagnosis is the best way to safeguard yourself from any health condition. Also, as a woman, you need to prioritise your health and well-being as much as you do for others. 

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