Cardiovascular disorders or diseases include coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure, congenital heart disease and many others. Though CVDs are most often seen in men, studies show that heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year.
The rate of heart disease among women of age group 35-54 are increasing attributing to obesity. Therefore, more awareness for cardiovascular diseases is needed for women. Cardiovascular diseases include,
- Coronary artery disease (blockages in the blood vessels around the heart)
- Peripheral artery disease (blockages in the blood vessels in the arms or legs - atherosclerosis)
- Problems with the heart’s rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Problems with the heart’s muscles or valves (valvular heart disease)
- Congestive heart failure (problem with the pumping or relaxation functions of the heart muscle)
Before menopause, the hormone estrogen provides women with some protection against coronary heart disease. Estrogen raises levels o f high blood pressure and obesity. Other factors that play a bigger role in the development of heart disease are:
- Diabetes: Women with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than men with diabetes. A risk of silent heart attack without symptoms is found.
- Mental stress and depression: Stress and depression drastically affect women's heart & makes it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Smoking: Smoking is a greater risk factor for heart disease in women than men
- Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity also contributes to CVD.
- Menopause : Low levels of estrogen after menopause pose a significant risk of developing disease in smaller blood vessels.
- Pregnancy complications: Hypertension or diabetes during pregnancy can put the mother at risk for these conditions in future & make them likely to get heart disease.
- Family history of early heart disease: This appears to be a greater risk factor in women than in men.
- Inflammatory diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and others can increase the risk of heart disease.
The symptoms may occur either while at rest or during daily activities.
Diagnostic tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure electrical activity in the heart & stress test tells about how the heart performs under physical stress. It can predict blockages that may be limiting blood flow to the heart.
With these warning signs, one should visit a hospital right away:
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of chest lasting more than a few minutes. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Ways to reduce risk of heart disease
Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Following lifestyle changes may help:
- Quitting smoking: Also avoiding exposure to indirect smoke is important, which also can damage blood vessels.
- Regular physical activity: In general, everybody should do moderate exercise, such as walking on most days of the week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: If overweight, losing even a few pounds can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of CVD.
- Eating healthy: Opt for whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and lean meats. Avoid saturated or trans fats, added sugars, and high amounts of salt.
- Managing stress: Stress can cause the arteries to tighten, which can increase risk of heart disease, particularly coronary microvascular disease.
- Limiting alcohol : If one has more than one drink a day, cutting back is advised.
- Following treatment plan: Take medications as prescribed, such as blood pressure medications, blood thinners and aspirin.
- Managing other health conditions: High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes increase the risk of heart disease.
Exercise recommendations
- At Least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of the two.
- For better benefits, aim for about 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a day, five days a week. Also add strength training exercises two or more days a week.
- Light short bursts of jogging or fast walking into regular walks.
References:
- Benjamin, E. J. et al. (2019) ‘Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2019 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association’, Circulation, 139(10), pp. e56–e528. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000659.
- Giardina, E. G. V. et al. (2011) ‘The DHHS office on women’s health initiative to improve women’s heart health: Focus on knowledge and awareness among women with cardiometabolic risk factors’, Journal of Women’s Health, 20(6), pp. 893–900. doi: 10.1089/JWH.2010.2448.
- Heart Disease | cdc.gov (no date). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/index.htm (Accessed: 21 March 2022).
- Heart Disease and Stroke | Office on Women’s Health (no date). Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/patient-materials/health-topic/heart-disease-and-stroke (Accessed: 21 March 2022).
- Heart Disease | cdc.gov (no date). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/index.htm (Accessed: 21 March 2022).
- Mosca, L. et al. (2013) ‘Fifteen-year trends in awareness of heart disease in women: Results of a 2012 American Heart Association national survey’, Circulation, 127(11), pp. 1254–1263. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0B013E318287CF2F.
