Although it may not seem like it, cardiovascular diseases kill more women than men every year. It is a data confirmed by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), which reveals that in 2021 diseases of the circulatory system were the first cause of female mortality (262.2 deaths per 100,000) and the second among men (241.1 ). Deaths from these causes decreased by 1.0% in women and 0.1% in men, compared to 2020.
The reality is that heart attacks are more numerous among the male population than among the female population, but the effects are more serious among women. One year after suffering a heart attack, women are 50% more likely to die. Additionally, during the first six years after a heart attack, women are almost twice as likely as men to have a second attack.
Several studies have shown that after menopause, around age 50, is the time when women are most at risk due to the decrease in estrogen, a female hormone that is related to higher levels of good cholesterol (HDL). ) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL). Another worrying fact is that one in four women over 65 years of age suffers from some type of cardiovascular disease.
Different symptoms
The Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) warns of the need to make women aware that they are also very vulnerable to cardiovascular disease and to become aware of how important it is to identify the symptoms. In the face of a heart attack, time is money. Classic symptoms, according to the SEC, include “pressing pain in the center of the chest or in the epigastric (stomach) area, which may radiate to the left arm, both arms, neck, jaw and/or back; sweating, nausea and respiratory distress.” These symptoms are common to both sexes, but it should be noted that "the typical chest pain in women is less specific and, on the other hand, the female group suffers more frequently from nausea, vomiting and indigestion, and also pain in the center of the back." and in the jaw.” If you see any of these signs, you must seek medical help immediately.
Being attentive to the symptoms is key, taking into account that the prognosis of a myocardial infarction is worse in women than in men. A higher percentage dies before reaching a hospital (52% compared to 42% in men) and the prognosis is also worse after hospitalization. There are several factors to explain this situation. In addition to the aforementioned decrease in estrogen, it is relevant that women tend to suffer from coronary heart disease approximately ten years later than men, which is why they tend to have more diseases or comorbidities (kidney disease, osteoarticular disease, anemia...) than men. . On the other hand, women take longer to see a doctor and be diagnosed because their symptoms are often atypical.
It is very important to react quickly to the evidence of symptoms. One in four deaths in women over 25 years of age is due to cardiovascular disease. To reduce these numbers, it is as important to pay attention to your body's signals as it is to take measures to prevent the disease. Eight out of ten cases of death from heart disease can be prevented. Reviews and cardiological check-ups are a very effective tool to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Risk factors must also be limited. The main ones are smoking, hypertension, cholesterol and obesity. On the contrary, we must be aware of how beneficial it is to exercise regularly and follow a healthy and balanced diet.
