A total of 63,291 women died in Spain in 2021 from some form cardiovascular disease. According to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), 262.2 per 100,000 women died in 2021, compared to 241.1 men.
Ischemic heart disease is the most important cause of cardiovascular death in women worldwide. However, experts indicate that its incidence is underestimated.
And it is that, although classic myocardial infarction is three times more common in men than in women of advanced age, the number of women under 65 who suffer a myocardial infarction has increased.
Blood pressure, diet, cholesterol, smoking, obesity and sedentary lifestyle are classic risk factors. However, the hormonal changes that women experience throughout their lives can also affect their risk of these diseases.
Acute myocardial infarction occurs due to a lack of blood supply to an area of the heart muscle (myocardium) caused by obstruction of one of the coronary arteries. The lack of blood supply causes angina and, if the artery is not opened early, it causes death (necrosis) of the heart tissue. This is the heart attack.
youclassic symptoms include pressing pain in the center of the chest or stomach area, which may radiate to the left arm, both arms, neck, jaw and/or back; sweating, nausea and respiratory discomfort. Although, there are substantial differences between men and women regarding the perception and description of symptoms.
A recent study published in the journal circulation described the symptoms of heart disease in women with the aim of providing aa complete picture of warning signs.
The research authors say that in previous work, 85 to 90 percent of women identified a variety of symptoms before a heart attack. FORSome reported ignoring these symptoms, while others sought medical care and were misdiagnosed.
“The current description of typical cardiac symptoms is based primarily on the experience of middle-aged white men” and, according to experts, “This leads to an inaccurate diagnosis, causing women to delay seeking treatment.”
To determine the most common symptoms that precede the cardiac event, researchers women surveyed were discharged in the last 6 months with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.
After analyzing the data, the researchers identified five most common symptoms reported by women in the month before the incident, which were: unusual fatigue (71%); sleep disorder (48%); shortness of breath (42%); indigestion (39%) and anxiety (36%). On the other hand, during the heart attack, women reported: shortness of breath (58%); weakness (55%); unusual fatigue (43%); cold sweat (39%); and dizziness (39%).
Study authors say the inability to recognize symptoms may be one reason why women suffer a higher proportion of sudden cardiac deaths than men and why cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the US and Europe. .
Prevention and good habits
Among the main risk factors for suffering a cardiovascular event are tobacco, bad cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension. diet and stress. Key prevention measures include:
- Do not smoke
– Follow a balanced diet, low in salt and with a balanced percentage of fats coming mainly from olive oil and the consumption of fatty fish. Without forgetting fresh fruits, vegetables and legumes.
– Practice physical exercise regularly. The healthiest for your heart is one that puts multiple muscle groups to work simultaneously, like walking or swimming.
– Check cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure at least once a year, from the age of 40, in the case of healthy people (in those suffering from some pathology this control should be greater).
– Comply with the treatment stipulated by the specialist
