International Day of Action for Women's Health: heart health is vital to general well-being, it is frequently disregarded, particularly in women. Despite the widespread belief that heart disease mainly affects males, heart disease continues to be the biggest cause of mortality for women globally. The particular hazards that women experience is influenced by a number of variables, including biological, social, and lifestyle factors. A woman's longevity and quality of life can be greatly increased by being aware of these risks and adopting proactive heart health measures.
Understanding the gender-specific risks
Biological differences: Men's and women's cardiovascular systems differ because women's arteries are typically narrower than men's, they frequently exhibit distinct symptoms after a heart attack, says Dr Bimal Chhajer, senior cardiologist, former consultant at AIIMS & director, SAAOL Heart Centre, New Delhi. Men may, for instance, have the typical chest pain, whereas women may have nausea, exhaustion, or shortness of breath, says the expert. These variations may cause a delay in identification and treatment, raising the possibility of unfavorable results.
Hormonal influences: Women's heart health is significantly influenced by hormones. Following menopause, estrogen levels decrease, which raises the risk of heart disease despite its preventive effects on the cardiovascular system. Because of this hormonal shift, postmenopausal women are especially vulnerable, therefore it's important to closely monitor their heart health both during and after this transition.
Lifestyle factors
Diet and exercise: Two essential elements of heart health are a balanced diet and frequent exercise. A balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and lean proteins should be the main focus for women. Lowering cholesterol, trans fats, and saturated fat intake can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Frequent exercise can assist maintain a healthy weight and promote cardiovascular health. Examples of this include brisk walking, swimming, and cycling.
Smoking and alcohol: Women who smoke are more likely to get heart disease than males who smoke, as smoking is a major risk factor for the condition, says Chhajer. Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Excessive alcohol intake can also result in heart disease and elevated blood pressure. To reduce these risks, women should only have one drink of alcohol every day.
Regular health check-ups
Blood pressure and cholesterol: For the early identification and treatment of heart disease risk factors, routine checkups are crucial. Keeping an eye on cholesterol and blood pressure readings might help spot possible problems before they get out of hand. Women should get their cholesterol levels evaluated every four to six years, or more regularly if advised by their Dr, and their blood pressure monitored at least once a year, says Chhajer.
Diabetes management: Heart disease risk is greatly increased by diabetes. In order to control their blood sugar levels and lower other risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, women with diabetes should collaborate closely with Dr. The key to managing diabetes is to keep a good diet, exercise frequently, and take recommended medications.
Stress and mental health
The impact of stress: Heart health can be negatively impacted by ongoing stress. Women tend to balance more than one role or set of obligations, which increases stress levels. Finding good coping mechanisms for stress is essential. Some of these include mindfulness exercises, yoga, and regular exercise. Another way to reduce stress is to ask friends, family, or mental health specialists for assistance.
Recognising symptoms of depression
Heart disease risk is higher in people with depression. Depression affects women more frequently than it does males, and it can make it difficult for them to lead healthy lives. The symptoms of depression may be identified, and getting the right treatment can help both mental and physical health.
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