Why more women Suffer from heart disease than men

Heart disease is normally considered to be a man’s problem.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress, smoking and drinking too much are all common health issues for men of a certain age – but the reality is that women suffer more.

So why are women at risk and how can they protect themselves from the biggest killer of women .

Dr Jane Flint, a consultant cardiologist, has been caring for women with heart disease for more than 20 years.

In fact, women under 50 with heart problems are faring worse then older women, Dr Flint says.

“Young patients don’t recognise they have a problem. They are not recognising they are at risk – and other people aren’t recognising it either.

There are a number of risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke. The main ones centre on lifestyle and how we look after our bodies.

Being overweight, eating unhealthily, smoking, and stress can all contribute to an unhealthy heart.

Equally important is a family history of cardiovascular disease, which means an increased risk of developing the condition.

After the menopause, women’s risk of getting heart disease goes up significantly. But there are simple ways to protect yourself.

•  Get your health checked – particularly your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If these are higher than they should be, this increases your risk of heart disease and you may need medication.

•  Stop smoking to protect your heart. You’re twice as likely to have a heart attack if you smoke.

•  Try to do more exercise. You need to do at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (cycling or fast walking) every week.

•  Lose weight if you need to. About six in every 10 women are either overweight or obese. Excess weight puts a strain on the heart.

•  eat a balanced diet and manage your stress.

Professor Anna Dominiczak, head of the college of medical, veterinary and life sciences cities most affected by heart disease, says women must look after themselves better.

“All of us should know what our blood pressure and our cholesterol is – but many women don’t.”

Most importantly, she adds, there are always some factors which are easier to control than others.

“Smoking is first on my list. It’s a risk factor everyone can do without.”

Source: BBC

N.Kh