A decade ago, not many women were aware of coronary heart disease (CHD) or heart attacks. With changing lifestyle, women are now equally prone to heart ailments as men. Apart from hereditary and other inevitable risk factors, playing different roles as wife, mother and an unerring professional are leading to the rise in heart attack among women.
Earlier, most women were homemakers and had a stress-free lifestyle. However, in the modern world, woman marches shoulder to shoulder with man in every profession and is equally susceptible to all the lifestyle diseases.
In fact a recent study revealed that more women are suffering heart attacks than men! The recent survey conducted in urban areas says the incidence of heart attacks is 6.72 per cent among women whereas it is only 6.54 per cent among men, said Chief Cardiologist of KGH S. Abbaiah. “With so much to achieve and so little time at one’s disposal, women are more prone to heart attacks,” he observed.
Symptoms
Cardiologists say that 54 per cent of women die before reaching the hospital itself. One has to consult the doctor immediately if symptoms such as discomfort in arms, neck, jaw and frequent palpitations, prolonged sleep disruptions, dizziness and other unusual symptoms continue to prevail for quite some time, say experts.
Though hereditary and family history of heart ailments are part of risk factors, toggling between two demanding facets of life — personal and professional — appear to be an aggravating factor.
To top it all, irregular diet, lack of exercise, increased incidence of diabetes, smoking and dependence on fast-food add to the misery.
In today’s world of advanced technology, early detection can make a huge difference in treating heart ailments, said consultant interventional cardiologist of Apollo Hospitals D.K. Baruah.
Of the 10 persons who have heart complaints, half seem to be women.
A little alteration in the lifestyle, cutting down on mutton, prawn, crabs and egg yolk, indulging in regular exercise five days a week and following relaxation techniques go a long way in maintaining a healthy heart, suggests Dr. Abbaiah.
