Heart disease is often considered an older person’s problem. However, studies have shown that younger women are increasingly experiencing heart attacks, also known as infarcts, and other related cardiovascular diseases.
In this article, we will look into the possible causes behind the rising trend of infarcts among younger women.
Body
Lifestyle Choices
One of the leading causes of heart diseases is poor lifestyle choices, such as smoking, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity.
Younger women may be more inclined towards unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle, leading to the increased risk of infarcts. An unhealthy diet can cause excessive weight gain and increase the risk of hypertension and diabetes, leading to higher chances of heart diseases.
Stress
Stress is another significant contributor to heart diseases, especially in women. Women often play multiple roles in their lives, which can lead to high levels of stress, leading to heart diseases.
Studies have shown that women who have experienced severe stressful life events and continue to experience daily life stressors also have a higher risk of developing heart diseases.
Hormonal Causes
Hormonal causes can affect younger women, leading to heart diseases.
Women are at a higher risk of developing heart diseases after menopause, as the levels of estrogen in their bodies decrease significantly, leading to a lower level of HDL, commonly known as the ‘good’ cholesterol and an increase in LDL, or the ‘bad’ cholesterol. Hormonal imbalances in younger women, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also lead to high levels of insulin resistance, leading to an increased risk of developing heart diseases.
Birth Control Pills
Birth Control Pills are popular among younger women as a safe and reliable contraceptive method. However, studies have shown that certain birth control pills can increase the chances of developing heart diseases.
Women who use birth control pills that contain high doses of estrogen are at a higher risk of developing blood clots, leading to heart attacks or strokes.
Pregnancy-Related Issues
Pregnancy is a significant life event for women, and pregnancy-related issues can also increase the risk of heart diseases.
Pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, both pregnancy-related complications, can lead to increased chances of hypertension and diabetes, leading to higher risks of heart diseases even after the pregnancy is over.
Heredity
Family history of heart diseases can also increase the risk of younger women developing heart diseases.
Genes that control cholesterol levels can be inherited, leading to higher levels of LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol, which increases the risk of developing heart diseases.
Smoking
Smoking is a leading cause of heart diseases, and women who smoke are at a higher risk of developing heart diseases than men who smoke.
Smoking can lead to high blood pressure, which can put a strain on the heart, and can also increase the levels of bad cholesterol in the body, leading to blood clots and heart attacks.
Alcohol Abuse
Excessive alcohol use can also lead to heart diseases, especially in younger women.
Women who consume more than one drink per day are at a higher risk of developing heart diseases, and binge drinking can lead to high blood pressure and arrhythmias, leading to heart attacks or strokes.
Conclusion
Infarcts, or heart attacks, are increasingly affecting younger women. While heart disease is often considered an older person’s problem, there are many reasons why younger women are experiencing heart diseases.
Poor lifestyle choices, hormonal imbalances, birth control pills, pregnancy-related issues, heredity, smoking, and alcohol abuse are some possible causes. It’s essential to understand these causes and take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of heart diseases among younger women.