Heart failure is a condition when the heart is not able to pump blood to meet the body’s demand. In recent years, heart failure has become a major concern among women, causing a high rate of hospitalization and death.

Though heart failure occurs in both men and women, it is more commonly found in women due to several factors.

Age and Menopause

Age is a significant factor that can increase the likelihood of heart failure in women. The probability of heart failure increases with age.

In women, the risk of heart failure rises significantly after menopause as the level of estrogen drops and the number of cardiovascular risk factors increases. According to a report by the American Heart Association (AHA), the average age for women diagnosed with heart failure is 72 years, which is six years older than the average age for men.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the leading risk factors for heart failure in women.

Hypertension can damage the arteries that supply blood to the heart, resulting in thickening and stiffening of the heart and eventually leading to heart failure. Women with high blood pressure have a higher risk of developing heart failure than men. According to research, women with hypertension have a 49% higher risk of heart failure than men with hypertension.

Diabetes

Diabetes is another major risk factor for heart failure in both men and women. However, women with diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart failure than men.

According to a study, the risk of heart failure in women with type 2 diabetes is twice as high as men with type 2 diabetes. The reason behind this is that diabetes can cause damage to the heart’s blood vessels, weaken the heart muscles, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the significant modifiable risk factors for heart failure. Women with obesity, especially abdominal obesity, have a higher risk of developing heart failure.

As per a study, women with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more have a 90% higher risk of heart failure than women with a BMI of less than 25. Obesity also increases the risk of other cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, that are associated with heart failure.

Physical Inactivity

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart failure. Lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are major risk factors for heart failure.

Women who lead a sedentary lifestyle have a higher risk of developing heart failure than women who engage in regular physical activity. According to research, women who walk less than an hour per week had a higher 46% risk of heart failure than women who walk three to four hours per week.

Smoking

Smoking is a known risk factor for a range of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. Women who smoke have a higher risk of developing heart failure than men who smoke.

According to a report, women who smoke have a 50% higher risk of developing heart failure than men who smoke. Smoking damages the structures of the heart and blood vessels, causing them to stiffen and narrow, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Anemia

Anemia, which is a shortage of red blood cells, can increase the likelihood of heart failure. Women have a higher risk of developing anemia than men, especially during pregnancy and after menopause.

Anemia can lead to low oxygen levels in the body, causing the heart to work harder to pump blood, leading to heart failure. According to a study, anemia in women increases the risk of developing heart failure by 1.5 times compared to women without anemia.

Psychosocial Factors

Psychosocial factors like depression, chronic stress, and social isolation can increase the risk of heart failure in women.

Women are more likely than men to experience depression and chronic stress, which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Social isolation can also lead to a higher risk of developing heart failure. According to a study, women who have fewer social contacts have a 43% higher risk of heart failure than women with more robust social networks.

Family History of Cardiac Disease

Family history of cardiac disease is another factor that increases the likelihood of heart failure in women.

Women with a family history of heart disease, especially those with a sibling or parent with heart disease, have a higher risk of developing heart failure. According to a study, women with a family history of heart disease have a 60% higher risk of developing heart failure than women without a family history.

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption can either decrease or increase the risk of heart failure depending upon its consumption level.

Women who drink moderate amounts of alcohol (one drink per day) have a lower risk of developing heart failure than women who drink heavily or do not drink at all. However, excessive alcohol consumption can increase one’s blood pressure, which can further damage the heart and increase the risk of heart failure.

Conclusion

Heart failure is a serious medical condition that can have a significant impact on a woman’s health and well-being. However, many of the risk factors for heart failure are modifiable and can be controlled or prevented.

Early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and proper treatment can help reduce the likelihood of heart failure in women, especially those who have one or more of the risk factors mentioned above.