STATISTICS: Of women aged 20 and over, almost half have cardiovascular disease, and some don’t know it.
What are the least known risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
O chronic stress can cause inflammation, which can lead to high blood pressure and lower levels of “good” LAD cholesterol.
o Your body repairs itself at night and Sleep deficits can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
o Sleep interruptions due to Sleep apnea They can cause high blood pressure, belly fat and irregular heartbeat.
o Helpful GI bacteria break down certain foods, but too many “bad” bacteria in your body Gut microbiome They could cause other byproducts that are harmful to cholesterol and blood vessels.
o People who reported social isolation and loneliness They had a 29% increased risk of heart events and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
o The thyroid plays a key role in heart and vascular health. people with Thyroid dysfunction You may have more cardiovascular disease, including atrial fibrillation and high cholesterol.
O Cardiovascular complications associated with pregnancyConditions such as premature birth, preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy occur in one in seven women and can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure after pregnancy.
Oh La menstruation It usually begins between the ages of 10 and 15. Women who are not in this range have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
O Early menopause: Likewise, if your period stops early due to surgical removal of the ovaries, your heart health may be affected. In women who reach menopause before the age of 40, the risk of coronary heart disease is increased by 40%.
O Oncological treatments: Vital treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have negative side effects, called cardiotoxicity, that may persist after oncology treatments.
O Oral health: It is not conclusively established whether there is a direct connection between oral and heart health, but there is a connection between people with periodontitis and coronary heart disease and high blood pressure, possibly due to inflammation or harmful bacteria in the gums that enter the blood vessels.
The population you belong to can predict your risk of CVD
– The prevalence of high blood pressure varies by breed. In one analysis, 59% of black adults had high blood pressure; For Hispanic, white and Asian adults, this rate was less than 45%.
– Unemployed people have an 84% higher risk of dangerous cardiac events and almost three times the risk of death compared to employed people.
– Low-income people with high blood pressure have a higher risk of death than other people with high blood pressure.
What can you do?
1. Ask your doctor for basic tests to find out how your heart is working. If tests reveal a problem, you may be prescribed medication, lifestyle changes, or other interventions.
2. If you have cancer, add a cardio-oncologist to your team of specialists so you can continue your treatment while protecting your heart.
3. Schedule regular dental visits and brush and floss your teeth regularly.
4. Identify what you can and cannot change. Do little things every day that are good for your heart. Meet up with friends for a walk and then eat something healthy.
This educational resource was created with support from Merck.