Women’s heart disease

Heart disease is often perceived to be a problem that affects men. However women too are at risk of heart problems and studies even indicate that a greater number of women die of heart disease than men each year. The best way to stay protected from heart disease is to have an understanding of the symptoms and to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle.

The symptoms of heart disease in women can be different from those that occur in men. Many of the early signs of heart disease in women often go undetected or are mistaken for another illness.

These signs and symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, anxiety, breathing difficulties and chest discomfort.

Men tend to suffer from acute symptoms such as severe, pressing pain in the chest, while women may suffer from pain in other areas of the body as well. This may be due to the fact that women experience blockages also in the smaller arteries which carry blood to the heart. In many cases women seek medical care after considerable damage has already taken place because they do not consider these symptoms as that of a heart attack.

There are certain risk factors that play an important role in coronary heart disease in women. These include obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome which refers to the fat accumulation in the abdomen, hypertension, high blood glucose and high triglycerides have a larger effect on women. Heart health in women is also affected by depression and stress to a greater extent than men.

Smoking and reduced estrogen levels following menopause may also place women at risk for heart disease. Women below the age of 65 years with a family history of cardiovascular disease need to take these risk factors more seriously. There are many things that help in preventing heart disease such as maintaining healthy body weight, exercising regularly and practicing good dietary habits. It is also important to take the prescribed medication properly. Intake of certain supplements such as omega 3 fatty acids may also be helpful for some women.

Treatment and Diet for Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease treatment in women may be done with the help of drug therapy as this is found to be more effective than procedures such as stenting and angioplasty which are usually performed on men. Medications which help to prevent coagulation of blood are also found to be more beneficial for men. Aspirin therapy works well for men and women, but in women it seems to be more effective in decreasing the risk of stroke, while in men it is more helpful in reducing the risk of heart attack.

A diet consisting of heart healthy foods is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. It also helps to prevent conditions that contribute to heart disease such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The diet for heart disease must consist of plenty of fruits and vegetables as they are low in calories, fat and sodium and high in important vitamins, minerals and fiber. Whole grains must also form as essential component of the diet due to their high levels of fiber, iron and B vitamins. Protein is another important part of a healthy diet. It is also recommended to use healthier cooking techniques such as steaming, baking and boiling instead of deep frying.

Saturated fat must be strictly avoided as it increases cholesterol levels and causes blockage of the arteries. A diet high in cholesterol can significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and other health complications. Saturated fats should be restricted to only 10 percent of the total daily calorie intake.