Women need to take care of their heart health, especially in these times when there are so many cases of people succumbing to heart-related ailments. The stress of work, coupled with an unhealthy lifestyle can make women and men susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, but for post-menopausal women, the risk of death is higher. According to the American College of Cardiology, a woman’s cardiovascular risk can rise ‘sharply’ after she goes through menopause. This rise can be quick enough for them to catch up to men of a similar age and health profile. The plaque buildup in the body is ‘accelerated’ in post-menopausal women, and many of them experience heart problems. This could be because of a drop in estrogen levels that women experience during menopause.
According to Dr V Rajasekhar, senior consultant interventional cardiology and electrophysiology, certified proctor for TAVR and clinical director at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, there are some unique risk factors for heart disease in women. Read on to find out all about them:
Autoimmune Diseases
Women are more likely to suffer from autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause inflammation in the body and increase the risk of heart disease. It is important for women with these conditions to work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their overall health and reduce heart disease risk, the doctor said.
Pregnancy Complications
Dr Rajasekhar also stated that conditions like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia during pregnancy can indicate a higher risk of heart disease later in life. Women who have had these complications should be vigilant about monitoring their heart health and making lifestyle changes to reduce their risk.
Menopause
As mentioned earlier, hormonal changes that occur during menopause can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels and a higher risk of heart disease. The doctor warned that women going through menopause must pay close attention to their heart health and work with their healthcare providers to manage risk factors.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Mental Health Issues
Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress can impact heart health in women. As such, it is important for women to prioritise their mental health and seek support when needed to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Women with PCOS, too, are at a higher risk of insulin resistance, obesity, and other factors that contribute to the rise of heart diseases. It is important to manage PCOS with lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring to keep the heart healthy.
“Women should be aware of these unique risk factors and take proactive steps to protect their heart health. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, managing stress, not smoking, and getting regular check-ups and screenings. By addressing these risk factors early on, they can reduce their chances of developing heart disease,” the doctor concluded.