Health Science

When It Comes to Heart Failure, Are Men More at Risk Than Women?

Heart failure is a condition that affects both men and women, but are men more at risk than women? This article explores the research and reasons behind the gender differences in heart failure by fredlamb
Estimated reading time: 5 min 28 sec
When It Comes to Heart Failure, Are Men More at Risk Than Women?

Heart failure is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to statistics, heart failure is more common in men than women. However, the reasons behind the gender differences in heart failure are still unclear.

The Research

A study published in the European Heart Journal in 2019 found that men have a higher risk of developing heart failure than women, independent of age and other risk factors.

The researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 people from different countries and found that men had a 20% higher risk of heart failure than women.

Another study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2018 found that women tend to develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) more often than men.

HFpEF is a type of heart failure where the heart muscle becomes stiff and cannot relax properly, leading to a decrease in the amount of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat.

On the other hand, men are more likely to develop heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which is a type of heart failure where the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot pump blood effectively.

The study found that men had a higher prevalence of HFrEF than women.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors contribute to the development of heart failure. Some of these risk factors affect men and women equally, while others have a greater impact on one gender than the other.

Age

Age is a significant risk factor for heart failure, and the risk increases with age. However, men tend to develop heart failure at an earlier age than women.

According to the American Heart Association, the average age of onset of heart failure is 66 for men and 72 for women.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart failure. Men are more likely than women to develop high blood pressure, especially at a younger age.

According to the American Heart Association, men under 45 have a higher prevalence of high blood pressure than women of the same age.

Smoking

Smoking is a well-established risk factor for heart disease, including heart failure. Men are more likely to smoke than women and are at a higher risk of developing heart failure due to smoking.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for heart failure, and it affects men and women equally. However, men with diabetes tend to develop heart failure at a younger age than women with diabetes.

Obesity

Obesity is a growing problem worldwide, and it significantly increases the risk of heart failure.

Both men and women are affected by obesity, but men tend to have a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity or belly fat, which is a strong predictor of heart disease.

The Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure can result from various underlying conditions or diseases that affect the heart muscle’s ability to pump blood effectively. Some common causes of heart failure include:.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart narrow or become blocked due to a buildup of plaque. Over time, this can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder to pump blood, which can eventually lead to heart muscle damage and heart failure.

Related Article Heart Failure: Gender Differences and Risk Factors Heart Failure: Gender Differences and Risk Factors

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, leading to the death of heart muscle cells. This can weaken the heart muscle and increase the risk of heart failure.

Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease occurs when the valves that regulate blood flow in and out of the heart become damaged or do not function correctly. This can lead to heart failure if left untreated.

The Symptoms of Heart Failure

Heart failure can cause a range of symptoms that can affect a person’s quality of life and overall health. Some typical symptoms of heart failure include:.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of heart failure, and it can occur even at rest or during mild physical activity.

This is because the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demand, resulting in an insufficient oxygen supply to the body.

Fatigue

Heart failure can cause fatigue and weakness due to the heart’s inability to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This can also lead to reduced exercise capacity and a diminished ability to carry out daily activities.

Swelling

Heart failure can cause fluid buildup in different parts of the body, leading to swelling, especially in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure

Preventing heart failure involves adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors that contribute to its development. Some ways to prevent heart failure include:.

Eating a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet that focuses on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products can help prevent heart failure by maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reducing the risk of diabetes.

Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity can strengthen the heart muscle and improve cardiovascular health, helping to prevent heart failure.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart failure and other heart diseases. Quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of heart failure, among other health benefits.

Treatment of heart failure depends on its underlying cause and severity. Treatment options may include:.

Medications

Several medications can help treat heart failure, including diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and beta-blockers. These medications help improve heart function, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications.

Devices

In some cases, doctors may recommend using devices such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices to help regulate heart function and prevent complications.

Surgery

In severe cases of heart failure, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves, bypass blocked arteries, or implant a ventricular assist device (VAD) or heart transplant.

Conclusion

Heart failure is a condition that affects both men and women, but men are more at risk of developing heart failure than women.

Several risk factors contribute to the development of heart failure, including age, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and obesity. It’s essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle and manage these risk factors to prevent heart failure and maintain good cardiovascular health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of heart failure or are at risk of developing heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider to discuss preventive measures and treatment options.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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