Heart Health In Women: Is Heart Disease A Bigger Threat To Women Than Breast Cancer?

VERIFIED

When it comes to cardiovascular diseases in women, like coronary artery disease that raises the risk of heart attacks, the death toll surpasses breast cancer and other cancers combined, says a doctor.

Diseases of the heart affect both men and women, and are leading causes of mortality. A silent killer, it needs to be understood whether women are more susceptible to heart diseases than men, and whether such health conditions are more of a threat to women than aggressive cancers, like that of the breast. Dr Madan Mohan B, senior consultant, interventional cardiologist at MGM Healthcare says that when it comes to cardiovascular diseases in women — like coronary artery disease that raises the risk of heart attacks — the death toll surpasses breast cancer and other cancers combined. Why does this happen? Read on to understand.

The doctor explains that Indian women are more vulnerable to heart diseases because of risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. In fact, the risk factors broadly include the following:

• Menopause: When the hormones that typically protect against heart problems, dip. Declining estrogen levels increase heart attack risk.
• Genetics: Having a family history of heart disease.
• Chronic illnesses: Diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, etc., which can cause blockages in the heart.
• High stress levels: Having a genetic predisposition, along with following a lifestyle that contributes to stress.

Pregnancy And Menopause

The doctor also warns that pregnancy and menopause can cause ‘extensive hormonal imbalances’ in women. Of course, the heart health gets impacted, too. When one experiences gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy, they get exposed to a long-term risk of heart issues. Unfortunately, Indian women do have a higher occurrence of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and high blood pressure during pregnancy, as compared to their global counterparts.

Symptoms Of Heart Disease In Men And Women

Heart diseases present themselves differently in men and women, the doctor says. According to him, while men usually experience chest pain, which is a common symptom, women experience more silent signs like fatigue, tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc., which often prevents them from seeking medical help promptly.

Lack Of Awareness

In India, women lack awareness, says Dr Madan Mohan B. Those living in rural areas also often face inaccessibility when it comes to good quality healthcare. The need of the hour is for women to have screening facilities to detect heart issues; go for preventive care; get prompt treatments after accurate diagnosis, which can save lives.

The doctor concludes by saying that awareness is a ‘key tool’ to tackle increasing heart problems in women. Women and their families must stay informed about health risks when it comes to diseases of the heart.

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