"Believing cardiovascular disease to be a danger focused towards men is outdated and very incorrect, women are at high risk", says Professor James Ker from the University of Pretoria. In fact, according to the INTERHEART study ², the only difference between men and women, in terms of their risk to cardiovascular disease, is that women seemed to experience the symptoms and consequences of cardiovascular disease nine to ten years later than men. This is loosely believed to be linked to women's overall healthier lifestyle, as well as a tendency to make certain high-risk lifestyle choices later than men - such as smoking and excessive drinking².
Of nine risk factors, termed 'modifiable' as they can be changed, the following list affected women more than men: high blood pressure (being the most destructive), diabetes, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol intake².
Placing both men and women at equal risk was smoking, abdominal obesity, abnormal lipids, diet and psychosocial factors like stress². "Maintaining a healthy diet includes the regular intake of fruit and vegetables", says Prof. Ker, "which is, historically, something that women are better at keeping to than men, but as women are at high risk to cardiovascular disease, this is something that should be considered during every meal."
Women were found to be most at risk after the age of 65, but that the same nine risk factors accounted for CV risk in both men and women across the world².
Two 'non-modifiable factors that have been since added which can also place your heart at risk are age and family history. In fact, in a study published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2008, it was suggested that risk assessment for CVD (cardiovascular disease) should begin during childhood with children who have a family history of CVD or dyslipidaemia (abnormal lipids)³.
Other evidence suggests that the late onset of coronary heart disease can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations and that the use of oral contraceptives can increase a woman's risk when combined with the other risk factors mentioned above¹. Prof. Ker, however, bases his opinion on numbers and family history. "It is so important to know your numbers, and not only your weight. From the age of 20 women should be having regular blood pressure and cholesterol tests".
These numbers can be used to self assess one's risk in terms a percentage using the Framingham 10-year Risk Assessment Chart. Says Prof. Ker, "it is still important to visit your doctor to interpret the results and advise you on medication options, but being tested is the first and most important step." There are a number of treatment options available to help in the management of hypertension, including fixed dose medications - ensure that you get the best treatment to suit your lifestyle.
1. Heart and Stroke Foundation: www.heartfoundation.co.za/health/women.htm
2. Risk factors for myocardial infarction in women and men: insights from the INTERHEART study - European Heart Journal (2008) 29, 932-940.
3. Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Practitioner's Guide for 2008 - The American Journal of Medicine (2008).
