Cardiovascular diseases in women: a growing problem
Cardiovascular disease is a growing problem among women, and the statistics are alarming: there are more than 170,000 deaths per year, according to DataSUS (three times more than fatal cases of breast cancer). Among the most common diseases are acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmia.
Cardiovascular diseases include the following risk factors: modifiable risks, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and high cholesterol. On the other hand, there are the unmodifiable risks, such as genetic factors, sex, ethnicity, and age. Therefore, it is essential for prevention to analyze women’s life cycles and their impact on the development of cardiovascular diseases.
The Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC) published in 2022 the Position Statement on Cardiovascular Health in Women, detailing hormonal changes during adolescence, at the start of contraceptive use, during pregnancy, postpartum, and even during the perimenopausal and menopausal phases. The document also highlights socioeconomic status as a determining factor in the onset of these diseases (low-income women face more challenges and are more likely to suffer from obesity and high cholesterol, for example, due to a lack of initiatives aimed at improving health literacy).
Pregnancy This is a time of significant changes in hormone levels, with an increased risk of developing gestational hypertension—which may progress to systemic hypertension. Postpartum, there are changes in blood sugar levels and difficulty losing weight. During menopause, ...the protective effect of estrogen is lost, leaving the body more vulnerable to myocardial infarction.
In addition, at every stage, the stress caused by a new daily routine compounds the burden of household chores and professional responsibilities, compromising quality of life. These challenges cause the body’s defense mechanisms to release hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine, leading to a narrowing of blood vessels, spasms in the coronary arteries, and increases in blood pressure and heart rate.
And there's more: contrary to what many people think, Cardiovascular diseases are not just a problem for the elderly. According to studies by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, the prevalence of these diseases is much higher among women aged 15 to 49. There is a misconception that women take better care of themselves and visit the doctor more often. This is more common with gynecological exams and not when it comes to other specialties, such as cardiology.
That is why it is important to remain vigilant and attentive from early childhood onward, fostering healthy eating habits and encouraging the consumption of nutritious foods in kind and preparing their own meals, as well as, of course, encouraging physical activity.
Now that you know that visits to the cardiologist and routine exams should become more frequent, learn about a very important initiative: Biolab Farmacêutica offers the “Together for Them” campaign”, which promotes a new approach to women’s healthcare—from initial care and diagnosis to treatment and prevention!
To help you adopt a healthier lifestyle, here are some habits to incorporate into your daily routine:
- Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure, reduce body weight, and improve blood clotting. Walking for 30 minutes at least three times a week is already great for your heart
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in fat and includes a variety of vegetables, leafy greens, and legumes
- Avoid excessive consumption of sugar, pasta, bread, and processed foods
- Cut down on your alcohol intake
Prevention is key to combating cardiovascular disease. That’s why you should see a doctor who will thoroughly assess your health and understand the specifics of your lifestyle, so that a care plan can be developed to improve your quality of life and promote longevity!