Cardiovascular diseases affect millions of people worldwide, and it poses a significant burden to individuals, families, and society.

Data from the American Heart Association estimates that approximately 44 million women are affected by cardiovascular diseases globally, which makes it the leading cause of death amongst women worldwide. Various risk factors such as high blood pressure, physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary choices, and smoking, predispose people to cardiovascular diseases.

However, recent studies suggest that crises such as financial recessions, pandemics, and natural disasters increase the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, especially amongst women.

Increased Stress and Anxiety Levels

During crises, individuals are likely to experience increased levels of stress and anxiety, which have a direct effect on the cardiovascular system.

The flight or fight response, which is the body’s innate protective mechanism, responds to stressful situations by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure. During prolonged stress, this response persists, leading to prolonged periods of high blood pressure.

Moreover, the body also releases stress hormones like cortisol which can lead to insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia which all contribute to cardiovascular diseases. High stress and anxiety levels affect women more than men, and this could explain the increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases in women during crises.

Increased Unhealthy Habits

During crises, many people turn to unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, and unhealthy eating, which predispose individuals to cardiovascular diseases.

During crises, people are likely to engage in stress-eating, and since they have limited access to healthy foods, they opt for high-calorie foods that are rich in saturated fats and other unhealthy substances. Additionally, financial stress may warrant families to eat cheaper high-fat and sugary foods. Furthermore, unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive drinking contribute significantly to the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Studies have shown that women usually find it harder to quit smoking than men, which puts them at a higher level of risk during crises.

Decreased Physical Activity

During crises, physical activities such as gym memberships, visits to parks, and public swimming pools are often restricted, leading to a decrease in physical activity.

Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, as it predisposes individuals to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which are all contributing factors to cardiovascular diseases. The impact of decreased physical activity is usually more severe in women as they tend to have less time to engage in physical activities due to their caregiving roles in the home.

Increased Workload

During crises, there is an increased workload, especially in essential services such as healthcare, social welfare services, and the police force.

Women have accounted for over 70% of healthcare workers and are most likely to be affected by the increased workload. Studies have shown that stressful work environments, long working hours, and limited rest periods predispose individuals to cardiovascular diseases.

Additionally, women are more likely to experience sexual harassment and discrimination in workplaces, which increases anxiety and stress levels.

Increased Caregiving Roles

During crises, caregiving roles, especially in families, tend to increase. Women carry the bulk of these responsibilities, ranging from cooking, cleaning, and general childcare.

Studies have shown that caregiving responsibilities predispose women to stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, caregiving tasks can limit physical activity and result in unhealthy eating habits, further increasing the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Societal Factors

Societal factors also play a role in the increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases amongst women during crises. During crises, healthcare systems are often overwhelmed, and medical staff is stretched beyond capacity.

As a result, women are more likely to experience delays in seeking medical care, delayed diagnosis, and limited access to medical care, all of which contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, women are most likely to hold informal employment and have limited job security, making it harder for them to access quality healthcare during crises.

Conclusion

The current COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases during crises, especially amongst women. The factors predisposing women to cardiovascular diseases during crises are complex and multifaceted.

However, policymakers and healthcare providers must pay adequate attention to the cardiovascular health of women during crises.