Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, it is the cause of 31% of all global deaths. However, the risk factors for heart disease are not the same for both genders.

Women have unique risk factors that they need to be aware of, and one of the most dangerous is paradoxical.

What is paradoxical risk?

It is a risk factor that contradicts the established norms of physiology. One of these risks is the paradox of Infarction, which is the occurrence of heart attacks in women who have no risk factors or symptoms.

According to the American Heart Association, these women are often premenopausal and don’t have high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or diabetes. Hence, the paradoxical risk factor is that women who do not show any symptoms or have risk factors are most susceptible to heart disease.

Men vs. women and heart disease

The prevailing medical knowledge has always considered heart disease primarily as a male affliction. This belief is due to the traditional misperception that males are the breadwinner of a family and hence subject to a more stressful lifestyle.

Recent research contradicts this long-standing belief, however, showing that women are equally susceptible to heart disease as men despite having fewer symptoms and risk factors.

What are the unique risk factors for women?

Women have unique risk factors for heart disease that are not common to men. These include:.

Early onset of menopause as it is linked to higher risks for heart disease
Gestational diabetes or hypertension during pregnancy
Neglecting their diet, physical activity, and sleep
Underestimating stress management
Exposure to estrogen without progesterone therapy post-menopause

How does estrogen affect heart disease?

Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries that play an essential role in maintaining a woman’s overall health and well-being. A woman’s estrogen levels decrease after menopause, which puts women at a higher risk of heart disease.

Estrogen helps to maintain healthy blood vessels and improves circulation, which are important factors in preventing heart disease.

The role of progesterone and testosterone

Progesterone, on the other hand, has a more complex relationship with heart disease. Studies have found it to lower the rates of endometrial and breast cancers, as well as the risks of cardiovascular diseases.

However, the studies on its effectiveness are still inconclusive and not as extensive compared to estrogen.

Testosterone plays a vital role in the development of muscle and bone density. It also plays an integral role in the body’s response to cardiovascular disease, sexual function, and mental health.

Higher levels of testosterone in men make them more susceptible to heart disease at a younger age. Women have lower levels of testosterone but still have risks to heart disease.

What can women do to reduce their risks?

There are several things women can do to reduce their risk of heart disease, including:.

Maintaining a healthy diet, including lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein sources
Exercising regularly for a minimum of 150 minutes per week, which includes a mix of strength and cardiovascular training
Maintaining a healthy weight (BMI 25 or less)
Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke
Limiting or abstaining from alcohol
Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or therapy
Discussing hormone replacement therapy options with their doctor to balance estrogen and progesterone hormones post-menopause

Conclusion

While heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, the risks and factors for women are not the same as for men. Women have unique risks, including the paradoxical risk of infarction, which occurs when they have no risk factors or symptoms.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and understanding their hormone replacement therapy options are crucial steps that women can take to reduce their risk of heart disease.