Heart disease, women are they at risk?

What is heart disease?

The term heart disease can designate many different heart problems. The most common heart disease is coronary artery disease. She says when a fatty substance called plaque clogs the arteries that carry oxygen and nutrients to the heart. A heart attack occurs when an artery is completely blocked.

What is the incidence of heart disease on women?

Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease part, are the leading cause of death among Canadian women. Women are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than any other disease.

The obstruction of blood vessels occurs slowly. The damage to the heart over the years can interfere with daily activities.

What are the risk factors for heart disease in the case of women?

Menopause:
At menopause, women are at greater risk of contracting heart disease. Researchers do not know precisely why. They believe that the increased risk may be related to decreased levels of estrogen in women during menopause. Not so long ago, it was believed that hormone therapy could help reduce risk in the case of menopausal women. However, according to recent studies, certain types of hormones (estrogen combined with progestogen) can actually increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots and breast cancer in some women. Therefore, hormone therapy is not recommended now as a preventive measure against heart disease, although it may be useful for other symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. Women should always discuss with their healthcare provider to monitor the appropriateness of hormonal therapy.

Hypertension:
Hypertension (or high blood pressure) causes the heart to work harder than normal and requires an extra stress to the muscle. It also damages the walls of blood vessels and increases the chances they get clogged.

Cholesterol:
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in foods and also produced by the liver. It is an essential nutrient for the body. However, excess cholesterol can clog arteries and increase the risk of contracting heart disease.

Diabetes:
Women with diabetes are at greater risk of suffering from heart disease. A number of factors, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and abnormally high blood sugar, are taken into account the deterioration of the arteries that carry blood to the heart. The plate is formed more easily once the arteries are damaged.

Smoking:
Women who smoke, especially those under 50 years are more likely to have a heart attack than those who do not smoke. The risks are even higher in the case of smokers over 35 who also take oral contraceptives. Women who do not smoke but who are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke also are at greater risk.

Inactivity:
Inactive women are twice as likely to contract heart disease than active women. Thirty minutes of exercise four to six times a week, helping to strengthen the heart and prevent heart disease.

Top Overweight:
The more overweight a woman is important, the more likely she contracted a heart disease are high. Weight loss, if only a few pounds, can reduce these risks.

Family history:
A woman is most at risk for heart disease if a close blood relatives (eg, father or mother) was diagnosed with heart disease before age 65.

Race:
Although women of all races are at risk for heart disease, this risk is higher in the case of black women and South Asians.

Social and economic factors:
Women whose levels of education and income are lower are more likely to suffer from heart disease. This may be explained by the obstacles they must overcome in order to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle can prevent illness.