Heart conditions in women are most often missed because of mild symptoms. However, heart attacks in women are most times fatal, says Dr Venkatesh.
Until a few years ago, heart disease was considered primarily a man's problem. Women were believed to be more at risk of breast cancer than any other disease. But statistics of the past few years have proved these beliefs to be grossly wrong.
Women are nearly at as much risk of heart diseases and fatal heart attacks, as men. In fact, in a study conducted in the US, it was shown that heart attacks are likely to be more fatal in young women than older men. Heart disease is the biggest killer in women. What is disconcerting, however, is that diagnosis of heart conditions in women is often delayed and appropriate treatment is often not applied.
In our society, women have traditionally formed the backbone of the household, managing home and hearth as the menfolk go out to earn a living.
But they have the least access to medical care. Medical problems in women often go undiagnosed till it is too late for an effective treatment. In modern society, the balance of power between a man and a woman in a household has considerably changed and with that women have become more conscious of their health needs. As far as cardiac problems go, early detection and preventive measures are crucial to restrict the rate of affliction.
International studies say that heart diseases kill six times as many women as breast cancer does. There are no specific statistics for heart disease among women in India. The number of women afflicted with heart diseases is still small as compared with men, but it is a growing trend.
Just like in men, coronary artery disease (CAD) constitutes the highest number of cases in women. CAD is seen mostly in post-menopausal women, but diabetic women could get affected at a much younger age. CAD is a condition when plaque deposits on the lining of the coronary arteries that supply blood and other nutrients to the heart.
Over a period of time, plaque, of which cholesterol is a major ingredient, narrows the arteries and obstructs the flow of blood. A blocked artery could cause a heart attack. Valvular heart diseases are the other common problems in women in which the valves start leaking or get obstructed. It could lead to heart failure if not treated on time. Valvular heart diseases could be congenital or acquired. Other forms of congenital heart diseases and aortic dissection (tear in the aortic wall) are also seen in women.
The standard on the basis of which a heart condition is diagnosed differs between men and women. Heart disease symptoms in women are milder. So far, investigations have been standardised keeping men's conditions in mind and it will take a few more years to arrive at a separate set of standards for women. Moreover, some of the risk factors are different for women. As a result, a heart condition in a woman may easily be missed. Heart attacks in women often strike without a warning and the rate of fatality is higher than in men.
High risk categories
Women, who fall in the high risk categories, should be subjected to screening and take preventive measures. Most of the risk factors are lifestyle related and adequate lifestyle changes can considerably reduce the risks.
Women in older age groups and those with a family history of heart diseases are at high risk. The lifestyle related factors are smoking, unhealthy diet, inadequate physical activity and obesity. The physiological conditions that push the risk factors up are high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol and early menopause (before 40 years of age). Birth control pills, along with exposure to cigarette smoke, could also act as a trigger.
Prevention is the best way to deal with heart conditions. A diet rich in high fibre foods, fruits, vegetables and fish is ideal. Keep the intake of saturated fat, trans-fatty acids (hydrogenated oil) alcohol and sodium (salt) to the minimum. It is important to go through the list of ingredients in processed foods before taking them. Avoid both active and passive smoking.
A regular fitness regimen should complement a healthy diet. Some form of physical activity, whether brisk walking, aerobics or cardio exercises, for six days a week is recommended. Above all, keep the stress levels down both at work and home to keep heart diseases at bay.
The health of a household depends to a great extent on the health of the woman of the house. If she's healthy, the rest of the family is well taken care of. Give priority to your health. In that lies the well-being of every member of your family.
(The writer is Interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Hospitals.)