STAT: Almost half of women aged 20 and over suffer from cardiovascular disease – and some don’t know it.
What are the lesser-known risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
O Chronic stress can cause inflammation, which can contribute to high blood pressure and a reduction in “good” HDL cholesterol.
o At night your body repairs itself and Sleep deficits can increase the risk
for cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
o Sleep interruptions Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, belly fat and irregular heartbeat.
o Helpful gastrointestinal bacteria break down certain foods – too many “bad” bacteria in your stomach Gut microbiome could mean more byproducts that damage cholesterol and blood vessels.
o People who reported social isolation and loneliness saw a 29% increased risk of
a cardiac event and a 32% increased risk of a stroke.
o The thyroid plays a key role in heart and vascular health. The one with thyroid
Malfunction may see an increase in cardiovascular disease – including atrial fibrillation and high cholesterol.
O Pregnancy-related cardiovascular complicationsConditions such as premature birth, preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy occur in one in seven women, which can increase the lifetime risk of stroke and heart failure.
O menstruation The disease usually begins between the ages of 10 and 15. The risk of cardiovascular disease increases in women outside this age range.
O Early menopause: Even if your period ends early due to surgical removal of the ovaries, heart health can be affected. Women who reach menopause before age 40 have a 40% higher lifetime risk of coronary heart disease.
O Cancer therapy: Life-saving treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can cause negative side effects, called cardiotoxicity, that can persist even after cancer therapy is stopped.
O Oral health: The jury is out on whether there is a direct connection between oral and heart health. However, there is a link between people with gum disease 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 cardiovascular disease
– The prevalence of high blood pressure varies by breed. In one analysis, 59% of black adults had high blood pressure – the rate was less than 45% for Hispanic, white and Asian adults.
– Unemployed people had an 84% higher risk of a dangerous cardiac event and almost three times the risk of death compared to their working peers.
– Low-income people with high blood pressure have a higher risk of death than others with high blood pressure.
What to do?
1. Ask your doctor to do basic tests to see how your heart is beating. If tests reveal a problem, medications, lifestyle changes, or other interventions may be prescribed.
2. If you develop cancer, add a cardio-oncologist to your team of specialists so you can continue to receive treatment and protect your heart.
3. Schedule regular dental checkups and brush and floss your teeth regularly.
4. Recognize what you can change – and what you can’t. Do small things every day that help your heart. Meet up with friends for a walk and then eat a healthy dinner.
This educational resource was created with support from Merck.
