Heart Disease Risk Factors in Women
Latest medical research and studies have shown that cardiac problems can be 6-times more fatal in women as compared to men. Heart problems are more dangerous than cancer in women, especially in the United States of America. Therefore, it is very important for you to learn about the heart disease risk factors in women. Once you know what causes this disease, you can make appropriate lifestyle and diet changes accordingly to reduce the chances of heart attack.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a condition that specifically affects women. In this condition, too much fat is accumulated around the abdomen, which eventually results in heart disease, diabetes, high triglyceride levels, spiked blood-sugar levels, and high blood pressure. Therefore, women need to be more cautious about their weight. Just like men, they should also do regular monitoring of high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
Age Factor
Older women (65 and above) are more likely to develop this type of problem, but it does not mean that younger women cannot be affected. As per a recent study, it has been found that heart attack has been the 3rd leading cause of death in women aged forty-four or less. It has been the 2nd leading cause of death for women aged between forty-five and sixty-four. And, it is the biggest cause of death in women aged sixty-five and above. Therefore, women of all age must be well aware of the various heart disease risk factors in women. In particular, those who have a family medical history of such diseases need to be more watchful.
During Perimenopause
In particular, the time just after menopause and just before menopause can be very problematic. During these periods, the levels of estrogen go very low, which substantially increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease or small vessel heart disease in women.
Depression And Stress
As compared to men, women who are under depression or stress are more susceptible to experience cardiac problems. Stress is one of the biggest heart disease risk factors in women. Those who are depressed are at a much higher risk of developing cardiac problems – three times more likely than those who are not under depression. When you are depressed, you don’t pay much attention to your lifestyle, including diet and exercise. In such cases, you don’t even care about the treatment programs suggested by your doctor. You are recommended to talk to your doctor about it because if depression remains for a long time, it can lead to very serious outcomes.
Once you get a good idea about the possible causes of heart related problems, you must start taking some preventive measures even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. It is recommended to everybody (both men and women) to maintain healthy weight by following a good diet and exercise program regularly. A bad lifestyle, such as smoking and drinking, can also be one of the heart disease risk factors in women. Therefore, you may also consider some heart healthy lifestyle changes.