Heart
disease is generally considered a disease of men. But in reality, one of the
four women died of cardiovascular disease. This amount is more than deaths
caused by all types of cancer. This makes coronary heart disease (CHD) one of
the main causes of death in women.
Risk
of CHD in women have a greater cause of death compared to men. CHD in women are
generally found in older age than men.
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| Women's Risk Factors and Screening For Coronary Heart Disease |
There
was a decrease in estrogen hormone during this serves to protect blood vessels
from damage during post-menopause, so the risk of heart disease in women has
doubled. Decreased estrogen also increase the levels of fat in the blood,
causing thickening of the blood vessels that can lead to CHD.
Women
with CHD usually experience more serious complications, because it is more
often found in the co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and renal
impairment.
Blockage
of the small blood vessels or microvascular more common in women. Blockage of
this kind is more difficult to detect with standard tests that exist at this
time.
Lack
of knowledge of women about the dangers of heart disease, generally making them
aware of the symptoms of the disease, causing a delay in diagnosis.
Symptoms
of heart disease that occurs in women differ from the symptoms in men. In
women, symptoms include heartburn, pain in the back or neck, shortness of
breath, rapid heart rhythm disturbances accomplished as well. The symptoms of
this is not realized by most women so often lead to delays in seeking help in
the event of a heart attack.
Some of the major risk factors of
CHD in women include:
1. Women
with diabetes mellitus or diabetes have a two-fold risk of developing CHD, and
have more severe complications than men
2. Women
who smoke have a risk of CHD 6-9 fold, whereas in men is 4-6 fold
3. Women
who are obese or overweight
4. Family
history
5. Decline
and cessation of estrogen production, but hormone replacement therapy in
postmenopausal women also pose the risk of CHD
The
initial step is to make early detection such as measuring blood pressure, check
your blood sugar and cholesterol, and begin to live healthy. A healthy life
starts with taking regular exercise that is at least 30 minutes 4 times a week
such as brisk walking or jogging, stop smoking and keeping blood pressure below
120/80 mm Hg, total cholesterol less than 175 mg / dL, LDL cholesterol less
than 100 mg / dL and fasting blood glucose levels less than 100 mg / dL.
Immediately
consult your heart health when experiencing symptoms of CHD, as well as live
further examination. Self-awareness to do examination and early treatment can
reduce mortality of CHD in women.
