dorrisCardiovascular disease is often seen as a concern for men, but the reality is that it affects women just as much, if not more. In fact, the World Health Organization has warned that cardiovascular disease will continue to be a global threat over the next 20 years.
While it’s true that death rates from cardiovascular disease have been declining, this decline is not equal across all age groups or genders. In particular, the rates for women under 55 are rising, which is cause for concern.
Every day, more than 200 women in France die from cardiovascular disease, and worldwide, this number reaches 25,000.
One of the major reasons for these high numbers is that many women don’t think they are at risk, leading to a lack of proper screening. This delay in diagnosis and treatment can have serious consequences.
However, the good news is that eight out of 10 cardiovascular events are preventable with targeted health education, screening, and better awareness.
Over the years, improvements in emergency medicine, rapid paramedic responses, and skilled hospital care have led to a decrease in overall cardiovascular mortality. Yet, this progress is not shared equally between men and women.
For women, particularly those under 55, the risks are rising. Even more concerning is that women who survive a heart attack or stroke often face long-term health problems such as heart failure or vascular dementia.
These conditions can lead to a decreased quality of life, financial strain, and other challenges.
One reason for the disparity in cardiovascular health between men and women is the biases and gaps in medical care. Many times, women’s symptoms are different from those of men, leading to misdiagnoses or delays in treatment.
Moreover, women’s increasingly complex roles in society – juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities – often means that they neglect their health. They may ignore symptoms or put off doctor’s visits, believing they are too busy or that they are not at risk.
Unfortunately, this can result in fatal outcomes such as heart attacks or strokes that could have been prevented with timely intervention.
There are several factors that contribute to the rising cardiovascular risk among women, particularly younger women. Smoking, stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excess weight all play a role.
Additionally, hormonal changes like pregnancy, the use of birth control, menopause, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase the risk even further.
Many of these risks can be addressed through health education, screenings, and better awareness of the impact of hormones on heart health.
Another group of women who face heightened cardiovascular risk are those who have undergone breast cancer treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy, commonly used in cancer treatment, can damage the heart, putting these women at an increased risk for cardiovascular events later on.
These women need a comprehensive care plan that includes both cancer and heart health monitoring.
The key to improving women’s heart health is early detection, better education, and more tailored treatments. We must focus on understanding how cardiovascular disease uniquely affects women, adapt medical treatments to their needs, and provide screenings at critical points in their lives – such as during contraception, pregnancy, and menopause.
By doing so, we can reduce the risk of heart disease and ensure that women receive the care and information they deserve. We must act now before everything is too late.
