According to statistics, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women all over the world. Therefore, the doctor Susan Connolly, consultant at the University Hospital Galway, in Ireland, says that it is fundamental that women are aware of the risks of heart diseases.
According to the cardiologist, the risk begins to increase due to hormonal changes during menopause, a period of life in which women stop menstruating.
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“Before menopause, the risk of heart disease in women is much lower than in men. However, after menopause, [the likelihood of suffering from heart problems] quickly equalizes. It is believed that this happens due to the decrease of estrogen, a protective hormone”, explains the cardiologist.
Estrogen hormones are responsible for female reproductive health, including the stages of puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. In addition, they are also important for heart, bone and brain health in both men and women, according to the US National Library of Medicine.
According to gynecologist Sandra McNeill, specialist in cardiovascular diseases, not smoking, controlling weight, moderating alcohol consumption and exercise contribute to the best possible health during menopause.
“Traditionally, it was thought that heart problems were only suffered by men. Unfortunately, this is not true. Women are even a little more protected by estrogen until menopause,” says the gynecologist.
Because of the positive effect of estrogens, women generally develop heart disease 10 years later than men. Now, if menopause arrives before age 40, the risk of heart disease exceeds that observed in other women of the same age who have not yet entered this phase.
Chest tightness, arm pain, tingling and shortness of breath are the classic signs of a heart attack in women. But, they are not the only clues that something serious is happening in the heart. Women may also report nausea, fatigue, indigestion, anxiety and dizziness.
“Women tend to report later [to the hospital] because they don't realize they're having a heart attack and don't see themselves as being at risk,” argues Connolly.
Women who want to protect their heart are advised to keep an eye on their cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
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