New research has found that while middle-aged men still have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, women are unfortunately catching up.
Men still have more heart attacks than women, but that gap is narrowing. The study found that while men’s rate of heart attacks declined, women’s rate increased. Furthermore, among middle-aged American women (ages 45-54), stroke prevalence was double that of men of the same age group.
On a positive note, another related study found that women’s rate of survival from heart attacks and strokes have improved. For women younger than 55, the study found the risk of dying has dropped by 53 percent. The researchers theorize that this due to an increase in the awareness of physicians in screening middle-aged female patients for heart disease and/or the greater awareness among women of their potential cardiovascular risk.
On the other hand, the researchers believe that the narrowing of male-female heart disease rates is due to better control of cardiovascular disease risk factors (high LDL and low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and diabetes) in men than in women. The researchers also point to the fact that women now make up a significant portion of the workforce, their stress levels have increased and their time for exercising has decreased, resulting in greater rates of obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, while female hormones have thought to protect women from cardiovascular disease prior to menopause, the rising rate of female obesity (higher in middle-aged women than men) may negate that benefit
So now that men no longer corner the market on heart disease, it’s even more important to note that women’s warning signs for heart attack and stroke can be different from those of men. All the more important for women and their physicians to be aware that cardiovascular disease is an equal opportunity destroyer. Furthermore, doctors need to remind their female patients of the importance of prevention: exercising, controlling weight, avoiding smoking and limiting dietary saturated fat and refined carbohydrates.
Be Well,
Carolyn
New research has found that while middle-aged men still have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, women are unfortunately catching up.
Men still have more heart attacks than women, but that gap is narrowing. The study found that while men’s rate of heart attacks declined, women’s rate increased. Furthermore, among middle-aged American women (ages 45-54), stroke prevalence was double that of men of the same age group.
On a positive note, another related study found that women’s rate of survival from heart attacks and strokes have improved. For women younger than 55, the study found the risk of dying has dropped by 53 percent. The researchers theorize that this due to an increase in the awareness of physicians in screening middle-aged female patients for heart disease and/or the greater awareness among women of their potential cardiovascular risk.
On the other hand, the researchers believe that the narrowing of male-female heart disease rates is due to better control of cardiovascular disease risk factors (high LDL and low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and diabetes) in men than in women. The researchers also point to the fact that women now make up a significant portion of the workforce, their stress levels have increased and their time for exercising has decreased, resulting in greater rates of obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, while female hormones have thought to protect women from cardiovascular disease prior to menopause, the rising rate of female obesity (higher in middle-aged women than men) may negate that benefit
So now that men no longer corner the market on heart disease, it’s even more important to note that women’s warning signs for heart attack and stroke can be different from those of men. All the more important for women and their physicians to be aware that cardiovascular disease is an equal opportunity destroyer. Furthermore, doctors need to remind their female patients of the importance of prevention: exercising, controlling weight, avoiding smoking and limiting dietary saturated fat and refined carbohydrates.
Be Well,
Carolyn