Women's heart health requires attention and prevention

From menopause to stress management, find out what really affects women's heart health

When it comes to heart disease, many people still associate the problem with men. But the reality is different and deserves attention, especially when it comes to women's hearts. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death among women, both in Brazil and worldwide, and account for around a third of all deaths from all causes. In addition, comparatively, mortality rates from CVDs are more than double those corresponding to all associated neoplasms. In Brazil, it is estimated that one in five women is at risk of suffering a heart attack, and the likelihood of death from this cause can be up to 50% higher compared to men.

What increases cardiovascular risk in women

Women's heart health is influenced by a combination of biological and behavioral factors.

• Hormones and menopause
  During the reproductive phase, female hormones, especially estrogen, help protect the cardiovascular system, for example by slowing down the accumulation of fat in the arteries. However, with the arrival of the menopause, around the age of 50, this protection decreases. As a result, cases of heart attacks and the need for cardiac interventions in women increase by around 30%.
  
  
• Family history
  Genetics also plays an important role. When there are cases of early heart disease in the family, such as in parents or siblings, the risk can increase by up to 25%.
  
  
• Lifestyle and emotional health
  Routine life also has a direct influence on heart health. Many women accumulate professional, family and domestic responsibilities, which can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety, burnout and depression. Today, these psychosocial factors are recognized as important triggers, still underappreciated, that increase vulnerability to cardiovascular disease.

How to prevent cardiovascular disease in women

Most heart diseases can be prevented through lifestyle changes and health monitoring.

Maintaining adequate body weight

Obesity is one of the main risk factors. In Brazil, data from the Ministry of Health show that 68.21% of women followed up in primary care are overweight, while 34.21% are obese. Controlling body weight and waist circumference helps to significantly reduce cardiometabolic risk.

Regular physical activity

More than half of Brazilian women (55.7%) do not meet the minimum recommendations for physical activity. The guideline is to do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming or cycling. This significantly reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Prioritize a balanced diet

Follow a food-based diet in natura or minimally processed is one of the pillars of prevention. The Food Guide for the Brazilian Population, drawn up by the Ministry of Health, recommends:

• increase consumption of fruit, vegetables and legumes;
• reduce sodium intake;
• avoid eating ultra-processed foods.

Pay attention to the body's signals

Many women tend to take longer to seek medical help, which can delay diagnosis. Some signs should not be ignored, such as:

• pain in the chest or stomach area;
• nausea;
• cold sweat;
• pain that radiates to the jaw or shoulders;

Keep your exams up to date

Realize check-ups Regular check-ups are essential to monitor cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood glucose. This makes it possible to identify changes early on and take action before the problem develops.

Want to know more about women's heart health? Read on Cardiovascular disease in women: a growing problem.

Protecting cardiovascular health is part of an ongoing care routine. Small changes in everyday life, such as moving more, watching your diet and paying attention to your emotional health, make a difference over time.

More than preventing illness, this care contributes to a better quality of life, well-being and longevity.




SOURCE:

https://www.hcor.com.br/hcor-explica/cardiologia/fim-do-mito-mulheres-tambem-sofrem-com-doencas-do-coracao/
https://abccardiol.org/article/posicionamento-sobre-a-saude-cardiovascular-nas-mulheres-2022/
https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/assuntos/saude-brasil/eu-quero-me-exercitar/noticias/2022/atividade-fisica-e-habitos-saudaveis-para-a-saude-cardiovascular-da-mulher
https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/guia_alimentar_populacao_brasileira_2ed.pdf