One of the most important steps in preventing cardiovascular disease is to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Heart disease symptoms in women can differ from those in men, which can cause a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
Frequent exercise, such as swimming, cycling, or brisk walking, enhances cardiovascular health and aids in maintaining a healthy weight.
Regular health screenings: For the early identification and treatment of cardiovascular disease risk factors, routine health checkups are essential.
The role of stress: One of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease is ongoing stress.
One of the most important steps in preventing cardiovascular disease is to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. (Image: Canva)
International Day of Action for Women's Health: Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the greatest cause of mortality for women worldwide, it is frequently thought of as a problem that mostly affects men. Due to this misperception, women's specific risk factors and symptoms have not received enough attention in prevention efforts. Heart disease symptoms in women can differ from those in men, which can cause a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Reducing the prevalence of CVD in women requires an understanding of the unique hazards and the implementation of prevention strategies.
Understanding cardiovascular disease in women
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Risk factors
Certain risk factors are exclusive to women, even if traditional risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking impact both sexes equally, says Dr S.S Sibia, cardiologist & director, Sibia Medical Centre, Ludhiana
Women are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease when they have conditions including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy-related issues like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, and hormonal changes associated with menopause. Furthermore, autoimmune conditions that are more common in women, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, might aggravate cardiac disease.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Heart disease symptoms in women can differ from those in men. Women may feel symptoms like exhaustion, nausea, dizziness, back or jaw pain, or shortness of breath in place of the typical chest pain, says Sibia. These unusual symptoms may cause a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. Healthcare professionals must be able to distinguish between these variations, and women must be aware of the many heart disease symptoms in order to seek prompt medical attention.
Prevention strategies
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Lifestyle modifications: One of the most important steps in preventing cardiovascular disease is to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. Women should minimise their consumption of sweets, trans fats, and saturated fats and concentrate on eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, says Sibia. Frequent exercise, such as swimming, cycling, or brisk walking, enhances cardiovascular health and aids in maintaining a healthy weight. Reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking are also important measures in lowering the risk of heart disease.
Regular health screenings: For the early identification and treatment of cardiovascular disease risk factors, routine health checkups are essential. According to their healthcare provider's recommendations, women should have their blood pressure tested at least once a year and have testing for blood sugar and cholesterol. Keeping an eye on these metrics can aid in the early detection of problems and enable prompt response. Women who have a history of heart disease in their families should be more watchful and could require more frequent testing.
The role of stress: One of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease is ongoing stress. Women tend to balance more than one role or set of obligations, which increases stress levels. Heart disease risk can be considerably decreased by practicing mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or regular physical activity in addition to other stress management techniques. Effective stress management also involves asking friends, family, or mental health specialists for assistance.
