Today most women are more concerned about diseases like osteoporosis and breast cancer than cardiovascular diseases, although the latter not only affect the male sector. A fact: heart disease cause about 30% of female deaths.
Although cardiovascular disease, according to experts, is one of the leading causes of death among women, many of them are unaware of this reality.
While prevention of heart attacks and strokes is very similar for both sexes, there are some small but important differences.
Female singularities
The modifiable risk factors have their origin in an inadequate lifestyle or a lack of control over the condition of the body. These factors, like gender and known by most of society, show differences in their development, consequential or incidents.
The first factor is hypertension. Although the prevalence is similar in both genders, the curve of incidence increases after age 65 in women, a fact that increases the chances of developing a stroke event.
Experts estimate that the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke in hypertensive women is two to four times higher than in those with normal values.
Studies have shown that after menopause there is a greater risk of heart disease, linked to decreased estrogen levels, which are responsible for providing protection to the body during the fertile life. Estrogen is associated with higher levels of “good cholesterol” (HDL) and lower “bad cholesterol” levels.
A special case is diabetic woman who must maintain both levels of blood pressure and lower cholesterol than normal because their cardiovascular risk is four times higher.
Obesity, a risk factor known that in the case of women is particularly important. With the same high weight for a man, a woman has an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, even more if the fat accumulates in the trunk and abdomen (called “central obesity”). According to data, a weight loss of 10% represents a significant reduction in predisposition to coronary disease.
Other fundamental aspects are the stress and smoking. The responsibility for compliance in many areas of daily life (work, family, home …) has significantly increased their stress levels.
Some studies link stress to cardiovascular health, and have shown that this can lead to poor eating habits and trigger alcohol abuse and snuff.
Epidemiological data are not very positive; today it is found that they not only smoke more than men, but starting in the habit at younger ages. In addition, the simultaneous consumption of snuff and contraceptives with an increased risk of thrombosis is also related.
Stages of life
The different stages in the life of a woman also affect your cardiovascular health.Both taking contraceptives in youth, such as pregnancy and menopause can affect heart health.
After 65 years woman enters a stage where they should care especially this vital organ, with control of all risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle habits (weight, diet and exercise).
It is advisable to include an electrocardiogram in its annual complete check, especially after menopause. Prevention is the most effective way to stay healthy, so adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Hospitals in Los Angeles have the service checkup which includes advanced medical and technological knowledge that provide insight into their current health status and take necessary measures to help keep it in good condition.
