Heart attacks have always been considered a male-oriented disease, but recent research suggests that women are also at a considerable risk of heart attacks. In fact, cardiovascular diseases have accounted for more deaths among women than men globally.

According to reports, women are more prone to experiencing a fatal heart attack than men, specifically after menopause.

Factors Contributing to the Risk of Heart Attacks in Women

Various factors, including physical, psychological, genetic, and environmental, can contribute to the risk of heart attacks in women. Below are the major factors associated with the heightened risk of heart attacks among women:.

1. Obesity

According to the American Heart Association, one in three women is overweight in the United States. This increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Women who are overweight or obese tend to accumulate more plaque in their blood vessels, leading to an elevated risk of heart attack.

2. Hypertension

High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, making women more susceptible to heart attacks. Uncontrolled hypertension puts a strain on the heart, leading to stroke, heart failure, and cardiac arrest.

Women are more prone to hypertension than men, as per research.

3. Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of heart attacks in women. It triggers the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, heightening the risk of heart disease.

Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, resulting in high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks. Studies suggest that women smokers have a 25% higher risk of heart attacks than men.

4. Inactivity

The sedentary lifestyle of modern women adds to the risk of heart attacks.

Lack of regular physical activity or exercise leads to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol levels, all of which upsurge the chances of heart attacks in women. According to research, women should engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels in the body. It damages blood vessels and nerves, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Women who have diabetes are twice as likely to have a fatal or nonfatal heart attack than those without diabetes, according to research.

6. High Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels can clog the arteries, hindering the smooth flow of blood to the heart, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack. Women run the risk of developing high cholesterol levels during menopause due to hormonal imbalances.

7. Family History

Genetic predisposition or family history is a significant factor that puts women at a higher risk of heart attacks.

If a woman’s father or brother had a heart attack before the age of 55, or her mother or sister had one before 65, she is at an increased risk of having a heart attack or developing other heart diseases.

8. Stress and Depression

Stress and depression are more common in women than men and can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack.

Chronic stress raises blood pressure levels, and cortisol hormone released during it, wreaks havoc on the arteries, leading to heart attacks. Studies suggest that women who experience depression are twice as likely to have heart disease than women without depression.

9. Ageing

The ageing process accelerates the risk of heart attacks in women. Women in their post-menopausal phase lose the protective effects of estrogen, which has a beneficial effect on blood vessels and heart muscles.

After menopause, women’s cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels increase, raising the risk for heart attacks.

10. Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and heart attacks in women. Women who consume more than one drink a day have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than nondrinkers.

Conclusion

Heart attacks are preventable, and measures can be taken to reduce the risk of heart attacks in women. Women should adopt healthy lifestyles, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, refrain from smoking and limit their alcohol consumption.

Early detection and prompt medical attention can save lives. Women must take charge of their health, pay attention to their bodies, and seek medical help when they notice any unusual symptoms.

By adopting healthy lifestyles and preventive measures, women can significantly lower their risk of heart disease and heart attacks.