The numbers are staggering. One woman dies every minute from cardiovascular disease in the U.S. Although heart disease is often thought of as a mans disease, almost as many women as men die of heart disease. In addition, cardiovascular disease disproportionally affects African American and Latina women.
Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attacks, heart failure, stroke and diseases of the blood vessels, is the number one cause of death in women in the U.S., accounting for approximately 400,000 deaths annually. While many women fear having breast cancer, more women die of cardiovascular disease than breast cancer. Over 44 million women in the U.S are affected by some form of heart disease, compared to 3.5 million impacted by breast cancer. The good news is that cardiovascular disease is largely preventable in 80-90% of cases.
The southeastern U.S. including Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, is known as the stroke belt due to its unusually high rate of cardiovascular disease and stroke. While there has been an overall decline in cardiovascular death rates in the U.S. since 1999, researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham recently found that there has been no change in the cardiovascular death rates in the southern portion of the U.S. In fact, there has been a 16% higher rate of cardiovascular deaths, 22% higher stroke rate and 55% higher rate of heart failure, proving that there is much work to be done to improve womens heart health in our region.
A primary concern in womens heart health is the trend in actual awareness. In a 2019 special report in the journal Circulation, Dr. Mary Cushman, professor of medicine at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, showed that among more than 1,500 women (mean age 50 years), fewer women were aware that heart disease was the leading cause of death in 2019 than they were 10 years prior. Declines in awareness during this 10-year period were observed in all ages, races and ethnicities except in women aged 65 years or older. The greatest declines in awareness were found in African American women, Hispanic women and in women ages 25-34. Compared with 2009, women in 2019 were more likely to incorrectly identify breast cancer as the leading cause of death.
Coronary artery disease is on the rise in women. Coronary artery disease in both women and men is a disease in which extra fats circulating in the blood are deposited in the wall of the heart arteries forming plaques. As plaques grow, blood flow can be limited, which can lead to a heart attack. Since 2017, there has been an increase in cardiovascular disease in both men and women, with the largest increase in death rates seen in middle-aged women.
The symptoms of heart attack in women can be much different than in men. While women can experience chest pain like men, women also are prone to have subtler symptoms three to four weeks before a heart attack. They may experience dramatic fatigue, sleep disturbance, shortness of breath, sweating, sudden dizziness, nausea, pain in either arm or pain in the neck or upper back. In one study, 43% of women did not have chest pain as a symptom prior to heart attack. Women also can be up to 10 years older when they present with a heart attack, and also are less likely to get life-saving intervention.
Hypertension is the leading global risk factor for cardiovascular disease in both men and women, and is often neglected in women. Obesity is another significant factor that can lead to the development of hypertension as well as type 2 diabetes. Additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease include age, family history of premature coronary artery disease (below age 55 in males or below age 65 in females), high cholesterol and smoking. The presence of diabetes almost doubles the risk of fatal coronary artery disease and smoking is associated with 50% of all coronary events in women. Risk is even elevated with minimal tobacco use. Women who smoke have two times the risk of heart attack as men, and the risk is higher for women smokers over men, regardless of age. Studies indicate that preventative strategies work as well in women as in men but are less frequently used in women.
Womens risk factors also increase sharply at age 50 or near the age of natural menopause. Menopause is also associated with an increase in LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or bad cholesterol, and a decrease in HDL (high-density lipoprotein), good cholesterol. Menopause results in changes in fat distribution and insulin sensitivity, and also a loss of the protective effects of estrogen over heart disease. Obesity represents a bigger cardiovascular risk in women compared to men. Metabolic syndrome, which is a clustering of risk factors such as hypertension, abdominal obesity and abnormal blood lipids, is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Other factors include a sedentary lifestyle, autoimmune disease, depression, stress and a history of trauma or abuse.
Pregnancy is considered to be natures natural stress test for the heart. Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure), gestational diabetes or preterm birth can put women at greater risk for heart disease or stroke.
The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable. Getting 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, eating a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer processed foods; maintaining a healthy weight; reducing stress; getting good, quality sleep; and obtaining regular health screenings are important strategies. The American Heart Association has identified seven risk factors that can be improved through lifestyle changes to help achieve ideal cardiovascular health. An online assessment tool called My Life Check is available, and a person can enter their age, gender, race, height, weight, eating habits, exercise, blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking status and receive a heart health score. The assessment lets patients know what they are doing well and what needs improving. Go to heart.org/mylifecheck.
Information in this article provided by Dr. Carol Gruver, a cardiologist with the Hamilton Cardiovascular Institute.
Visit link:
Not for men only: Cardiovascular disease on the rise in women - Daily Citizen
- Home Remedies For Coronary Heart Disease [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2018] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2018]
- Heart Disease in Women | National Heart, Lung, and Blood ... [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2018] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2018]
- Home Remedies For Coronary Heart Disease | Speedy Remedies [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2018] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2018]
- Coronary Heart Disease: Symptoms + Natural Remedies - Dr. Axe [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2018] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2018]
- Coronary artery disease - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2018] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2018]
- Journal of Coronary Heart Diseases- Open Access Journals [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2019]
- Heart Conferences | Heart Congress 2019 | Heart Failure ... [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2019] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2019]
- Cardiac MRI Testing Market to Develop Rapidly by 2018 2026 - The Market Plan [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- The Global C Reactive Protein Test Market To Progress At Cagr Between 2017 2025 - Zebvo [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Ventricular Assist Devices Market Progresses for Huge Profits During 2016 2024 - NewsVarsity [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Can you still be healthy if you're overweight? - Health24 [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Cardiogenic Shock Market Detailed Study Analysis with Forecast by 2025 - Analytics News [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Fractional Flow Reserve Market Projections Analysis 2019-2027 - Rapid News Network [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Self-expandable Stents Market : Advancements and Efficient Clinical Outcomes would Drive the Industry Growth with Top Key Player's Analysis -... [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Chronic Heart Failure Market: Study Provides In-depth Analysis of Chronic Heart Failure Market along with the Current Trends and Future Estimations... [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Nuclear Cardiology Market to Surge at a Robust Pace in Terms of Revenue Over 2015 2021 - Analytics News [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Global Cardiovascular Drugs Market Industry Analysis and Forecast (2018-2026) - NewsStoner [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Bare-metal Stents Market : Segmentation and Company Analysis to 2027 - Market Forecast [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Insomnia is Linked to Increased Risk for Heart Disease - Live Trading News [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Five Concrete Medical Reasons Why You Should Embrace Yoga - VIVA GLAM MAGAZINE - vivaglammagazine.com [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Carotid Stenting Systems Market Poised to Garner Maximum Revenues During 2018 to 2028 - SocioHerald [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Carotid Stents Market : Segmentation, Industry Trends and Development to 2026 - NewsStoner [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- New report shares details about the Carotid Stents Market - Commerce Gazette [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Drug-Eluting Balloons Market to Garner Brimming Revenues by 2015 2021 - Analytics News [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Is Diet Soda Actually Killing You, Though? - Self [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Anti-angina Drugs Market to Witness Growth Acceleration During 2018 2026 - Wolf Mirror [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Anti Angina Drugs Market Sentiment Indicators Evaluation by 2018 2026 - Lake Shore Gazette [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Coronary Atherectomy Devices Market : Opportunities and Forecast Assessment, 2019-2027 - RedfoxInfo [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Combined Angiography Market to Witness Comprehensive Growth by 2016 2024 - NewsVarsity [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Seven home remedies to stop hiccups - Daily Sabah [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Resverlogix To Release Phase 3 Clinical Trial Data On A First-In-Class BET Bromodomain Inhibitor - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Women with high blood pressure in pregnancy at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disorders - Independent.ie [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- AI is Better at Foretelling Risk of Heart Attack - Healthcare Tech Outlook [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- High blood pressure in pregnancy increases risk of future heart disease study - The Irish Times [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- 30 Years of Research Shows Sauna Bathing is Game-Changer for Longevity and Heart Disease - Good News Network [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2019]
- Coronary Artery Imaging Market Set to Witness an Uptick during 2017 2025 - Space Market Research [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- Interventional Cardiology Devices Market Gain Impetus due to the Growing Demand over 2025 - Space Market Research [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- High Pesticide Exposure Associated With Increased CAD and Stroke Risk - MedicalResearch.com [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- The longevity files: A strong grip? Push-ups? Here's what actually can help you live to a ripe old age. - Bowling Green Daily News [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- Heres what actually can help you live to a ripe old age - Pratt Tribune [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- Pakistan at high risk of coronary heart diseases - The Nation [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- Heart attack linked to air pollution - The Hindu [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- The Weighty Cost of Diabetes - American Council on Science and Health [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Push-ups? Here's what can really help you live to a ripe old age - The Australian Financial Review [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Red meat study caused a stir here's what wasn't discussed - The Conversation UK [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- I market, by application, is dominated by the cardiology segment, due to the vast population using various CVD drugs. This segment is projected to... [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- At the heart of health!- The importance of a healthy heart for a healthy life - OyeYeah News [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2019]
- Interventional Cardiology Devices Market Size 2019 Industry Analysis by Types, Applications, Key Players, and leading Countries Forecast to 2024 -... [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2019]
- Angioplasty Balloons Market: Increasing Prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease to Drive the Market - Online News Guru [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2019]
- Valvular Heart Disease Treatment Market: Information, Figures and Analytical Insights, 2019 2027 - Online News Guru [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2019]
- More About The Dangers And Diseases Of Vaping - Star2.com [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2019]
- Heart attack: The sign in your mouth that could increase your risk - Express [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2019]
- Global Fractional Flow Reserve Market Industry Analysis and Forecast (2018-2026) - Markets Gazette [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Biologic Therapeutics Market Segmentation Detailed Study with Forecast to 2025 - Online News Guru [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Interventional Cardiology Devices Market Global industry analysis and forecast (2018-2026) - Markets Gazette [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Peanut Butter: Benefits and facts about the tasty food item - Republic World - Republic World [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Market Global Industry Analysis and Forecast (2018-2026) - Science Examiner [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Fewer deaths in winter 2018-19 - Scottish Government News [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- How to live longer: These three drinks may extend your lifespan - Express [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- The Europe mobile cardiac telemetry systems market is expected to reach US$ 477,845.5 Mn in 2027 from US$ 167,462.4 Mn in 2018 - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- You Docs: Getting to the meat of the matter on the matter of meat - Roanoke Times [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Tips to manage heart diseases: Heres what you should know - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Do You Think Heart Attacks Only Strike The Old? - Star2.com [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals & Contrast Media Market 2019 | Remarkable Growth Factors with Industry Size & Share, New Innovations of... [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2019]
- Interventional Cardiology Devices Market Report Extensive Analysis 2019 | Specified by Production, Technology, Competition, and Revenue Forecast till... [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2019]
- Shaq Promotes Heart Health at Spirit of the Heart Gala - Lasentinel [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2019]
- Obesity Exacerbates Many Causes of Death, But Risks are Different for Men and Women - University Herald [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2019]
- Sales Revenue of MR Conditional Pacemaker Devices Market to Soar in the Near Future Owing to Growing Consumer Adoption - Lake Shore Gazette [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- World Stroke Day 2019: Stroke risk may be higher in youth owing to sedentary lifestyle - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- Women and men at risk of different obesity-related conditions - Medical News Today [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- University Hospitals Designs the Cardiovascular Center of the Future | - Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- Technological Innovations to Boost the Interventional Cardiology Devices Market - Press Release - Digital Journal [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2019]
- On World Diabetes Day, here are a few tips to maintain a healthy heart - Mid-day [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2019]
- Start the path to a healthier lifestyle by participating in Great American Smoke Out challenge - KRQE News 13 [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2019]
- Multi-Center Clinical Study Demonstrates HeartTrends Improves Early Detection for Heart Disease in Healthy Individuals Cardiology2.0 - Cardiology2.0 [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2019]
- Health benefits of tobacco cessation - SCNow [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2019]
- Caladrius Biosciences Reports Positive Results for CLBS16 from the ESCaPE-CMD Trial at American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2019 -... [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2019]
- Subgroup Analysis of TWILIGHT Trial Patients With Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (NSTE-ACS) Who Underwent PCI Showed BRILINTA Monotherapy... [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2019]
- Bengaluru-origin cardiologist performs path-breaking heart surgery in US - The New Indian Express [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2019]
- Structural Heart Devices Market Understanding the Key Product Segments and their Future - Guru Online News [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2019]