3 minute read
Dr Ben Anderson
Close to our hearts
ALMOST EVERY HOUR OF EVERY DAY AN AUSTRALIAN WOMAN DIES OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE. ON AVERAGE THAT EQUATES TO 20 WOMEN A DAY.
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Research shows that women are much less likely to undergo treatment for heart attack or angina (chest pain) in hospital compared to men.
For women, the risk of cardiovascular disease changes throughout life’s course. It’s important to be aware of the risk factors that specifically affect women, and what you can do to look after your heart health. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an example of a condition that occurs more frequently in women.
It occurs when a split suddenly develops between the inner layers of a coronary artery. Blood flows into this space and reduces the amount of blood flowing through the artery. This means less blood and oxygen reach the heart.
The symptoms of SCAD are similar to those of a heart attack or angina (chest pain). Most people who have SCAD have few or no known risk factors. Recognising the warning signs of a heart attack, and getting treatment as quickly as possible, is important for women of all ages.
Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom affecting women (and men). However, women are more likely than men to experience non-chest pain symptoms including jaw, shoulder or back pain, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, indigestion or fatigue/tiredness.
In addition to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, the risk of a heart attack or stroke can also be affected by women-specific risk factors. If you are a woman aged 45 and over (or 30 and over for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women), speak to your GP about your risk of heart attack and stroke and have a Heart Health Check.
Pregnancy puts a lot of stress on the body. Some of the complications of pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
As women transition into menopause, their risk of cardiovascular disease increases. During menopause, women experience changes to their sex hormones, fat distribution and lipid metabolism and are at greater risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels which can increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. Women who enter menopause at age 45 or younger (early onset menopause) have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which includes oestrogen replacement, has been used for many years to treat short-term menopausal symptoms. In some women, depending on their GP’s advice, HRT has also been used after menopause for those with osteoporosis.
There has been a lot of research into the effects of HRT on the development of heart disease. Based on this research the Heart Foundation does not recommend HRT in the treatment or prevention of heart disease. There is evidence to show the use of HRT amongst postmenopausal women around 60 years of age or older may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Before commencing HRT, women should discuss the risks and benefits of the therapy with their GP. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature menopause, pregnancy complications, autoimmune disorders and their treatments, some cancer treatments, contraception and depression.
A heart-healthy diet is low in unhealthy fats, salt and added sugar, and rich in wholegrains, fibre, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats is ideal. Consider adding fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals, healthy proteins especially fish, seafood, legumes, nuts and seeds with smaller amounts of eggs and lean poultry. Limit lean red meat to one to three times a week. Choose unflavoured milk, yoghurt and cheese. Those with high blood cholesterol should choose reduced fat varieties. Healthy fat choices with nuts, seeds, avocados, olives and their oils for cooking. Use herbs and spices to flavour foods, instead of adding salt.
Source: heartfoundation.org.au
DR BEN ANDERSON
Servicing patients at Pindara and John Flynn Private Hospitals, The Tweed Hospital and consulting at Goonellabah Medical Centre.
