Women more likely to ignore heart disease symptoms compared to men

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 28, 2014 7:19 pm

According to a recent research study, women are more likely to delay seeking care when heart symptoms strike as compared to their counterparts. This is partly attributed to the common perception that coronary artery disease is a ‘man’s disease’. Catherine Kreatsoulas from Harvard School of Public Health, lead author of the study said, ‘The main danger is that when someone comes to the hospital with a more severe or advanced stage of heart disease, there are simply fewer treatment options available.’ (Read: Why women are at a greater risk of heart disease than men) Also Read - Avoid sexual dysfunction: Having multiple partners may actually be good for you

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The study included patients with suspected coronary artery disease, just prior to undergoing their first coronary angiogram test. In the first part of the study, the researchers interviewed cardiac patients about their experience of angina and their decision to seek medical care. Angina is the pain that occurs when your heart does not get as much blood and oxygen as it needs because of a blockage of one or more of the heart’s arteries. (Read: Suffering from heart disease? Here are foods you should avoid) Also Read - Early menopause ups your risk of osteoporosis by almost 56 per cent: How to deal with it

This pain is often described as a pressure, tightness or burning feeling. It is a warning signal that you are at increased risk of a heart attack, cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death. ‘Women stayed in the denial period longer than men. While men would consult with a friend or loved one more readily about the symptoms, women would wait for others to tell them they looked horrible,’ Kreatsoulas said. ‘Women displayed more of an optimistic bias, feeling that the symptoms would pass and get better on their own,’ she said. (Read: 8 common heart disease symptoms and warning signs)

This finding was substantiated in the second part of the study where women were one and half times more likely than men to wait for symptoms to become more severe and more frequent before seeking medical attention. Other priorities could be taking over, Kreatsoulas suggested, such as women’s focus on caregiving roles or even risk aversion. Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of mortality for women. The study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress. (Read: 8 tests that can tell if you have heart disease)

Why are women more prone to heart disease?

It s true that more number of women die due to heart disease than breast cancer or cervical cancer. Earlier, cases of heart attacks were exclusive to post-menopausal women but now even younger women seem to suffer from them. Women, in general, have higher death rate than men due to heart attacks because of the fact that the symptoms of heart disease in men and women are different. Women usually don t suffer from chest pain associated with heart attack. Unlike men, who develop blockage in the major arteries, women usually have block in smaller arteries which does not get detected in heart function tests like angiography.

Apart from these, the following reasons have made women more prone to heart disease:

Increased stress: Majority of women in urban cities have to handle their work life and responsibilities at home. Hectic schedules make their life more stressful, increasing their risk of heart disease.

Smoking and drinking: It s surprising to see the rise in the number of women smokers these days. According to recent estimates, of the more than 5 million people who die every year from tobacco use, approximately 1.5 million are women.

Use of oral contraceptives and hormone therapy: Earlier when the risk of heart disease was found to be greater in post menopausal women, it was clear that reproductive cycle has some role to play in preventing heart disease in women. Researchers believe that oral contraceptive pills used for birth control increases the risk of blood clots (thrombosis). According to the Women s Health Initiative there is clearly an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women taking menopausal hormone therapy. Read more about Why are women more prone to heart disease?

With inputs from IANS

Image Source: Getty Images

Published : October 28, 2014 7:19 pm

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