If you have thought that heart attack is a disease that can attack only men, then you are wrong!!
It is worth mentioning that in recent times heart attacks have increased in women too. Those women who are in the age group 45 to 55 are more at risk of getting heart attacks. It is well known that women usually get their menopause between the age 45 and 55. Point to be noted is that heart attacks coincide with the menopause of women. Reduced levels of oestrogen during menopause has played a role in increasing the cardiovascular vulnerability in women.
Why particularly heart attacks occur in menopausal women?
During the menopause, the oestrogen levels would decrease or be absent in the women. It must be noted that oestrogen helps to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol. The blood vessels would be flexible and inflammation would be reduced. This would keep their heart healthy and lower the chances of diseases etc. Plaque formation would occur easily on the arteries due to the absence of oestrogen (during menopause stage)
Various other health issues during menopause:
During the menopause stage, many changes occur inside the body of a woman. As a result, menopausal women are more prone to heart related diseases. There would be an increase in the bad cholesterol levels and a decrease in the good cholesterol levels. Stiffening of the blood vessels would occur due to lack of oestrogen and due to high blood pressure etc. Menopausal women put on weight easily, especially around their abdomen. In addition, sensitivity to insulin would start decreasing and risk of diabetes becomes more.
Heart attack symptoms in women:
Not many would know that fact that heart attack symptoms of women would vary from that of men. Both men and women would have chest pain but women would have shortness of breath, jaw pain and nausea, vomiting etc.
Taking care of heart:
As they grow older, it is necessary that women must keep a close eye on their heart health. Point is that women must go for regular checkups, control their BP, monitor their cholesterol levels, eat healthy food and exercise regularly etc.
