DEAR DOC,
I have a few questions about heart disease What is heart disease? Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is actually one of the most common of cardiovascular diseases and it refers to the narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the heart blocking the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Heart disease is often termed cardiovascular disease (CVD), and coronary artery disease (CAD) and, is the leading cause of death worldwide. Heart disease has traditionally been referred to as a man’s disease. However, according to the 2013 World Health Assembly, heart disease was identified as the largest killer of women. Unfortunately, despite public awareness of heart disease over the years, many women underestimate their risk of developing heart disease and subsequently, its serious complications (heart attack, stroke). What are some of the major risk factors for developing heart disease? Traditional risk factors for developing heart disease include age, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and, abnormal cholesterol levels. The older a woman gets (age >55years), her risk of developing heart disease increases. Research has shown that due to woman’s higher life expectancy, her overall mortality rate from heart disease is higher. Even though older women are more at risk, women of all ages who have risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes should be concerned about heart disease.
T H E E V O LV I N G W O M A N - 2 4 -
MARCH 2021
