Women and Heart Disease
Heart disease and other related cardiovascular problems are commonly associated with men. But did you know that women are just equally at risk of developing this health condition as men are? To better understand what are the risk factors and what you can do about it, you can read further below for information.
Understanding Risk Factors on Women
One of the biggest misconceptions in the health industry is that heart disease or heart attacks are a “man's problem”. Truth is, everyone is at risk. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of mortality amongst American women, which is a shocking data.
It is therefore important for women of all ages to find out what they can do to reduce that risk and improve cardiovascular health.
Statistical Data
To begin your quest for gathering information about heart disease in women, you need to find out some key statistics. As noted above, it is the number one killer for women in America. Meanwhile, actual figures in the United States alone indicate there are about 6 million women who are suffering from heart related problems in the country alone.
In addition, women also make up half of the total number of deaths that resulted from heart attack. And an average of 38 percent women die annually from heart disease. All of these are alarming statistics that one cannot simply ignore. Hence, you need to build up awareness that will help surge information drive to prevent this from happening.
Factors that Increase Risk for Heart Disease
According to experts, there are two types of risk factors involved with heart disease on women. One of these factors you have the power to control, while the other is completely beyond your means of control.
Age
According to health experts, women above the age of 55 or those at their menopausal stage are at greater risk of developing heart disease. Why is it so, you may ask? This is due to the reduced production of estrogen in the body. Now, those women who suffer from early menopause are exposed to the risk of developing heart disease at an earlier age than normal. Also, middle aged women need to look closely at other factors that could contribute to developing this disease since the presence of more than one risk factor could increase the possibility of the disease acquisition.
Family History of the Disease
Another risk factor for women in suffering heart disease is that if anyone in your family has suffered from it. Here is one of those risk factors that you have no control over, along with age. Hence, if you had a family history of heart problem, then you need to work doubly hard to ensure you do not acquire it.
Symptoms of Heart Disease on Women
The symptoms of heart disease as exhibited by women are nearly similar to that manifested by women suffering this condition. To find out what these are, view the list below:
- Discomfort around the jaw down the arms.
- Chest pain.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Shortness of breath.
- Exhaustion.
- Faster or irregular heart beat.
- Uncharacteristic sweating
If any of the above symptoms of heart disease are manifested, it is best to visit your doctor right away, especially if the above risk factors are present as well. The earlier you are diagnosed, the earlier you can begin treatment to prevent fatal consequences too.