The Silent Killer among Women

Heart disease strikes one in three women each year

Heart disease the leading cause of death in Americans however, it is silent when it takes the lives of women. According to the American Heart Association, new research has revealed that heart attack symptoms differ among the sexes. It has also shown that women are more likely to die from heart disease then men.

Heart disease seems to be prejudice due to the fact women are more likely to die in the year after their first heart attack.

According to a new report there is not enough advancement made studying the differences in heart disease based on gender. The report also notes that only a third of heart related studies concentrate on how each gender responds. This is in despite of the fact that federal policy states all studies shall.

Dr. Nanette Wenger, cardiologist Emory University and co-author of report states in women the heart is their major health threat.

Do not misinterpret this to mean men are not at risk, it is also the top killer in men.

The illness is more prevailing in males and usually strikes them ten years early than the norm for women. According to the report from the nonprofit Society for Women’s Health Research and WomenHeart; The National Collation for Women with Heart Disease, women face some novel issues. Such as chest pain being the most common symptom among the both sexes, women are more apt than men to experience other symptoms as well such as shortness of breath and pain in the back.

When it comes to the triggers of heart disease both sexes have the same in common. Becoming a coach potato and consuming junk food is just plain bad for either sex.

High cholesterol clogs arteries and high blood pressure can lead to stroke.

There seems to be one problem as Dr. Wenger explains. Even when a test for major heart arteries does not show any blockages, those women at risk can still have coronary microvascular disease, a very serious problem which is less common men. The disease involves the small heart vessels that nourish the heart which become damaged so that they squeeze shut.

Physicians that suspect this disease will prescribe medications which have been developed to make the blood vessels relax and the blood to flow a little better. While at the same time they are intently treating the other cardiac risk factors. The best treatments are still not clear at this time.

Then comes the second issue for women. There has been a small increase in death in women younger than forty five years old. Also, high blood pressure, diabetes, related complications from pregnancy. There is a rise in concern as more women start their pregnancy already overweight. This problem is not a temporary one for it increases the risk for heart disease in those mother’s when they hit middle age. According to the report there are very few physicians that consider these risks.

Women need to be aware of the fact that heart disease is a real risk among most women. Learn the steps to heart health and how to protect your heart for the years ahead.

You can take action against the most silent killer of women by:

Do not smoke, if you smoke quit.

Consume a healthy diet.

Maintain a normal weight for your age and height.

Know the numbers; of the following: blood pressures, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Be active. Get regular exercise especially such as aerobics which has numerous benefits.