It is generally believed that women have a much lesser risk of developing cardiac related problems, compared to men. But it is a myth that needs to be dispelled for everyone. The truth is that even among women, heart related diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States and other western countries. In fact, the number of female deaths due to cardio-vascular problems exceeds that of men.
Uncontrollable risk factors for women
If there is a family history or parentage of coronary heart disease or a stroke, it increases the risk of a heart attack.
If the woman is beyond the age of fifty-five, the risk increases.
Women who have crossed their menopause stage, or have had their ovaries removed by surgery, are more at risk for a heart disease.
Controllable risk factors for women
Problem of obesity.
Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle.
Excessive smoking and drinking.
High total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol.
Hypertensive tendency.
Diabetes
Metabolic disorder.
C-Reactive protein (CRP).
Obesity: This tendency may occur in women if there is no physical exercise during or after a pregnancy. Also, among the older women there is a greater risk of becoming obese if the state of inactivity is prolonged.
Smoking: Women who presume that they are relatively immune from heart disease compared to men, may not worry much about their smoking habit. Though, the reality is that smoking is as much dangerous to a woman’s heart as to a man’s. It is the leading cause of heart attacks among women below the age of fifty.
High blood pressure (hypertension): Excessive stress can affect women as much as it affects men. Furthermore, a heart-healthy diet and genetic factors are also as important in the case of women. Especially with growing age, the risk of heart attack due to hypertension increases among women.
Diabetes: Obesity, genetic causes and lifestyle factors are increasing the prevalence of diabetes among women. This disease adversely affects the blood vessels, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease substantially. Women who suffer from chronic diabetes are at a much higher risk of a heart related problems.
C-reactive protein (CRP): New research is pointing towards CRP as an important factor for heart disease. It also seems to have a stronger effect on women than in the case of men. The presence of CRP in higher levels in the blood suggests inflammation of the blood vessels. This results in malfunctioning of the heart over a period of time, if left untreated. Particularly among females, inflamed blood vessels can lead to severe abnormalities in the arteries.
Pregnancy factor: Researchers and doctors increasingly believe that any complications faced during delivery and childbirth, also can affect the functioning of the heart in the long run. Particularly, hypertension or diabetes that arises during pregnancy, later on proves to be harmful for the heart if corrective measures are not taken to control the problem.
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