Unique challenges and prevention strategies for women.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide, posing unique challenges that often go unrecognized. Traditionally, heart disease has been as a predominantly male issue, but it is equally critical for women.
Women often experience different heart disease symptoms than men such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, which can be misdiagnosed or overlooked.
BIOLOGICAL FACTORS:
Several biological factors contribute to the increased risk of heart disease in women. For instance, hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life, such as those during menopause can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the smaller blood vessels (microvascular disease). Pregnancy-related issues such as gestational diabetes or hypertension also raise future cardiovascular risks. Early menarche or menopause, surgical menopause at an early age, polycystic ovarian disease, and infertility are also associated with enhanced cardiovascular risk.
LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTIONS:
Lifestyle factors significantly influence heart health, and this is where prevention can play a key role. Smoking, tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity are major heart disease risk factors that can be controlled. Women, particularly those who are busy with multiple responsibilities, often neglect their dietary needs and physical health.
PREGNANCY AND HEART HEALTH:
Pregnancy-related adverse outcomes such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, eclampsia, spontaneous abortion, pre-term birth, and intrauterine growth retardation are all associated with future cardiovascular risk. Pregnancy is considered as a window to a woman’s future cardiovascular health. Two-thirds of women with heart disease undergo pregnancy without being aware of the disease. Being aware and informed reduces the maternal mortality and morbidity and greatly improves fetal outcomes.
PREVENTION STRATEGIES:
Heart-Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce heart disease risks. Limiting the intake of saturated fats, salt, and sugars is crucial. Incorporating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and nuts, can also benefit heart health.
Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to ward off heart disease. For women, activities such as brisk walking, swimming, and cycling can make a significant difference. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
Stress Management: Effective stress management is essential. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce the heart disease risks associated with stress. It’s also important for women to seek professional help when dealing with depression or anxiety.
Regular screenings: Regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes are crucial from the age of 20, especially for obese women or those with a family history of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Women with adverse pregnancy outcomes should evaluate their cardiac risk annually and check blood pressure, sugar levels, and lipids. Every woman should have a cardiac risk screening before planning the first pregnancy.
In conclusion, understanding the unique challenges of heart health in women allows for better prevention strategies tailored to their needs. By addressing the specific-biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors that contribute to heart disease in women, we can reduce the incidence and impact of this serious condition.
