
Health, fitness and Food
Women and Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) ranks number one among heart diseases in causing much morbidity and young deaths. In this, there is a block in the coronary arteries (vessels supplying blood to the heart), thus curtailing the blood supply. CAD affects both men and women. Women have some unique risk factors for developing CAD and the manifestations may not be typical, thus delaying the diagnosis and treatment.
Before menopause, women are protected from coronary artery disease due to the feminizing hormone estrogen. But after menopause, when the levels of estrogen reduce, they become more vulnerable to heart attacks. Women who take contraceptive pills are more prone to develop a high lipid level which is a risk factor for CAD.
Clot formation in the blood vessels during pregnancy and or delivery, increases the risk for developing CAD. Piece of this clot can dislodge and enter a coronary vessel via circulation, and block it.
Women are emotionally more sensitive and susceptible to mental stress. This makes them more vulnerable to heart problems. During menopause many women suffer from depression. Due to this, they do not follow the dietary restrictions necessary for avoiding/treating CAD and are not compliant with drugs.
Women tend to have more central obesity. Thus they tend to suffer more from the harmful effects of central obesity, i.e. diabetes, hypertension and cardiac problems. Women who use tobacco and or alcohol are more vulnerable to CAD as compared to men, because their body is not capable of handling these toxic products.
Features of CAD in women are different. They usually do not have the typical chest pain as men. The pain tends to be more in the neck, upper back or any other uncommon site. Sometimes, they may feel only nausea, giddiness, breathlessness or fatigue. Because of these atypical features, diagnosis of CAD is often delayed in women. The exertional breathlessness is more as compared to men.
Statistics show that more elderly women suffer from CAD than men. Considering the risk factors making women more vulnerable to CAD it is prudent to prevent it.
Eating a correct diet is very important preventive measure. Food should contain plenty of green vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains and cereals. Regarding meat products, except fish all others should be avoided as meat products can increase cholesterol and obesity.
Regular physical exercise is useful to avoid obesity. Therefore it is important to do exercise preferably daily or at least 3 times per week for at least 30 minutes. Girls should be encouraged to be physically active since childhood. Contraceptive pills is a good option for spacing between births of 2 children but once a woman has no desire for more children, it is better to go for permanent sterilization instead of taking pills.
Alcohol and smoking should be avoided. Adequate physical rest is also important. Mental stress should be avoided by relaxation techniques like creative activities, yoga and meditation. If hypertension and diabetes are present, they should be well controlled with regular medication.
In case a lady has any symptoms suggestive of CAD, she should not hesitate to seek medical advice. After the diagnosis is confirmed, she should be compliant with medicines and life style measures.
Dr. Rachna Pande
Specialist internal medicine
Ruhengeri Hospital
Email: rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk

You must be logged in to post a comment Login