With alarming statistics indicating a rise in heart attacks among younger females, heart disease—once thought to be a health problem that largely affected men—is increasingly becoming a major worry for women. Previously believed to be shielded by the hormone estrogen, women are experiencing an increase in heart attacks, especially among those in their 30s and 40s. Experts caution that this change needs immediate attention as well as a proactive approach to treatment and prevention.
The Effects of Menopause on the Declining Shield of Estrogen
Estrogen, a hormone that is naturally plentiful in women, was thought to be preventive against heart disease for a long time. But estrogen levels fall after menopause, reducing this natural defense and making women more susceptible to cardiac problems.
“A decade ago, heart attacks in women were primarily seen after menopause, around age 50 or older,” noted Dr. Ravi Prakash, Senior Consultant in Cardiology at PSRI Hospital in Delhi, in reference to the shift in heart disease trends. Women in their 30s and 40s are suffering from serious heart attacks these days,” he said. This change emphasizes how important it is for women to monitor their heart health more closely as they become older.
Heart Attacks: A Quiet Danger
Women’s heart attacks are frequently more complicated than men’s, which can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. Although it is a well-known sign of a heart attack, women are less likely to experience chest discomfort. Rather, more subtle and unusual symptoms including weakness, dizziness, effort intolerance, and stomach problems may be experienced by women.
One of the signature symptoms, chest discomfort, is less prevalent in women, according to Dr. Prakash, who underlined the need of identifying these warning indicators. Rather, they are more prone to suffer from generalized weakness, dizziness, exertion intolerance, or stomach problems. Women may put off getting medical help since these symptoms are readily confused with other illnesses.
The Impact of Lifestyle on Women’s Heart Health and Heart Attacks
The growth in heart disease among women can be attributed in large part to changes in modern living. Poor eating habits, inactivity, stress, and sleep deprivation are some of the major causes of the rising incidence of heart disease, according to Dr. Prateek Chaudhary, Senior Consultant in Interventional Cardiology at Asian Hospital in Delhi.
Sedentary habits, which are on the rise, also raise the risk of heart disease by contributing to obesity and other health problems. Another level of risk is increased by pregnancy, which can also have long-term implications on a woman’s heart health.
In order to lower women’s risk of heart disease, Dr. Chaudhary emphasized the need of addressing these lifestyle variables. Women are now more vulnerable as a result of the modern lifestyle because of things like bad eating habits and excessive stress. If we want to lower the rising incidence of heart-related occurrences, we must address these variables,” he stated.
Avoidance: Crucial to Preserving Heart Health
The specialists emphasize that in order to address this rising hazard to women’s heart health, prevention and early detection are essential. For women over 35, routine examinations are advised in order to detect any early indications of cardiac disease before they worsen.
“Women over 35 should undergo regular screenings, including ECGs, echocardiograms, and cholesterol checks,” Dr. Prakash said, recommending a number of diagnostic instruments. These tests assist in identifying any abnormalities before they become more serious ones.
Changes in lifestyle can also dramatically lower the risk of heart disease. According to Dr. Prakash, adopting better behaviors like stopping smoking, controlling stress, eating a balanced diet, and exercising frequently can help prevent up to 80% of heart-related problems.
“Maintaining heart health requires moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week,” Dr. Chaudhary continued. Exercise lowers the risk of diseases like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are major causes of heart disease, in addition to helping people regulate their weight.
The Increasing Demand for Heart Attack Awareness
It is more crucial than ever to raise awareness and take early action since heart disease is increasingly impacting younger women. Knowing the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease is crucial since women have particular difficulties in maintaining heart health. Women may greatly lower their risk and safeguard their long-term heart health by being proactive, which includes getting frequent tests and changing to a healthier lifestyle.
The concerning increase in heart attacks among younger women should serve as a warning to patients and medical professionals. “Women must be aware of their heart health, especially as they age and after menopause,” stated Dr. Prakash. Preventing heart disease can be greatly aided by early diagnosis and lifestyle modifications.
