We presume that heart illness or diseases are more likely to occur in men than women. However,studies have shown that women are more vulnerable to heart diseases than men. Women are more prone to heart diseases especially after menopause. Moreover, researchers have found that women suffering from heart illnesses have lesser recovery rate compared to men.
Developing a better understanding of the causes and symptoms of heart diseases will help reduce the risk of heart diseases.
What are the common causes of heart diseases?
- Stress related to work, relationships or family.
- Hypertension.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity or being overweight.
- Depression.
- Excessive smoking.
- Lack of physical exercise.
What are the common signs or symptoms of heart diseases?
- Pain or discomfort in the chest.
- Heaviness in the chest.
- Squeezing pain in the chest, neck, arms, stomach, or upper back.
- Pain in the chest with activity or emotion. Disappears with rest or medicine.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fatigue with activity and weakness.
What can a woman do to prevent heart diseases?
- Walking, jogging or doing any such cardio exercises for atleast 30-60 minutes a day.
- Keep diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels under control.
- Maintaining a healthy weight as per your individual BMI (Body Mass Index).
- Do not stop or skip medicines without doctor’s advice.
- Follow a healthy diet low in saturated fat and salt.
Ignorance amongst women about heart disease is one of the primary reasons behind the lower recovery rates. A typical Indian female tends to play down her symptoms and depict relatively high tolerance to pain. This attitude towards health of Indian women needs changing.
