Diagnostic Units

Cardiovascular Risk in Women

Why women should care more about their heart than men?

Heart disease is more severe in women than in men. Mortality from heart disease in women is worse..

Do symptoms of heart attack in women are equal to men?

The symptoms are usually nonspecific and more difficult to interpret than in men. The heart attack may be in the form of dizziness, fatigue, nausea, palpitations and atypical chest pain. In most cases, they may be attributed to anxiety attacks. This can delay diagnosis and priority treatment.

When should women worry?

During the reproductive age women is protected by estrogens, but with the onset of menopause cardiovascular mortality increases exponentially each year.

How do risk factors affect women?

• Cholesterol: with menopause, LDL-cholesterol levels incease and HDL.choleterol levels decrease. This will favour the development of arteriosclerosis.
• Hypertension: over the years, arteries lose elasticity and become rigid: Hypertension appears.
• Diabetes: hormone changes and a narrower coronary anatomy makes diabetes more dangerous in women than in men.
• Smoking: : the same dose of tobacco generates a higher risk in women than in men. And at present, it is the most common cause of heart disease among young women.
• Obesity: 45% of women are overweight and with the onset of menopause, they are more prone to water retention and weight gain.