Heart conditions are widely perceived as a male problem, but it is also one of the most common diseases among women, primarily due to high cholesterol levels. The risk can be reduced when individuals are aware of the facts and take care to maintain balanced cholesterol levels.
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Heart disorders are a leading cause of death among women worldwide. There are several contributing factors, high cholesterol can affect both men and women, but women are at a higher risk of developing heart diseases due to high cholesterol levels. Women tend to have higher levels of HDL (good cholesterol), which helps remove LDL (bad cholesterol) from the blood. However, as women age, their HDL levels may decrease, leading to an increase in LDL and a higher risk of developing heart diseases.
How common are heart diseases among women?
Until the fourth decade of life, heart disorders are more common among men, primarily due to the natural hormonal activity in women. During the reproductive years, estrogen and progesterone protect women from heart and vascular diseases. However, during menopause, there is a decline in the levels of these hormones, and as a result, women are more exposed to heart diseases, with higher mortality rates. According to statistics, women experience their first heart attack later in life, around the age of 60. It is at this age that heart diseases begin to develop, and the mortality rates from these diseases are also on the rise.
Why do women tend not to recognize the symptoms of heart conditions?
It seems that many women are not aware of this issue, making it difficult to diagnose and provide timely treatment. Most women tend to experience different symptoms than men, including shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, indigestion, anxiety, atypical irritability, discomfort in the chest area, and palpitations. Doctors who hear about these symptoms may attribute them to a different disorder, not necessarily a cardiac event, and the opportunity for treatment may be missed.
What are the risk factors for heart attack among women?
Like men, risk factors for heart attack in women include diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, stress, and a family history of heart disease. However, women also have additional risk factors that are usually not associated with a cardiac event, such as pregnancy-related complications, gestational diabetes, certain cancer treatments affecting the breast, premature births, fertility treatments, and more.
How can the risk be reduced?
Firstly, women should strive to maintain balanced cholesterol levels. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes and medication if necessary. Nowadays, there are new treatments that can also enhance responsiveness to therapy. Lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk include adopting a healthy and balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.