Why Heart Attacks Are Becoming Common Among Younger Women?

New Delhi: The news of actor Sushmita Sen’s heart attack and angioplasty came as a shock to her fans and others. It also drew attention towards heart attacks among women, particularly at a young age. Sushmita Sen is 47.

While heart attacks and other cardiac conditions are becoming more common among women both in India and throughout the world, according to a recent study, younger women are having more heart attacks. The most recent statistics reveal that conditions like heart attacks and cardiac arrests kill six times more women every year, according to a report on India TV.

Researchers were surprised to find that while the heart attack rate has decreased among older adults, it’s risen among those ages 35-54, especially women. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study reviewed more than 28,000 hospitalisations for heart attacks in four cities.

“This observational study found a trend in young women,” says Virginia Colliver, M.D., a cardiologist with Johns Hopkins Community Physicians – Heart Care in Bethesda, Maryland. “But the research doesn’t provide insight into why the uptick in heart attacks is happening to younger people. I suspect it has to do with more people having risk factors for heart disease at an earlier age.”

Many factors can damage a woman’s heart health and increase her risk of developing heart disease. One of the factors significantly increasing women’s risk of cardiac diseases is untreated blood pressure problems that harm the heart.

Among the reproductive factors that increase a woman’s risk of having a heart attack are early menopause, PCOS, gestational diabetes, and preterm delivery. A woman’s lifestyle choices, such as high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, unhealthy eating, sedentary behaviour, stress, and mental health issues, can also have an impact on her heart, India TV reported.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. So it’s just as important for women of every age to recognise heart attack signs and seek immediate medical attention.

For the vast majority of people, both men and women, chest pain or discomfort is the primary symptom of a heart attack. However, women are more likely than men to have less recognisable heart attack symptoms, such as:

• Pain or discomfort in different parts of the upper body (back, neck, jaw, arms or stomach)
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Cold sweats
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

Women’s heart health can be improved by making certain lifestyle modifications:

Eat a balanced diet- Heart disease risk can be significantly reduced by eating a diet rich in fibre, fresh produce, whole grains, and cereals, and low in saturated and trans fats.

Daily exercise- Exercise helps people maintain a healthy weight, improves blood flow, and reduces the chances of developing heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends engaging in aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes a week at a moderate intensity.

Reduced tension- Stress can increase the risk of heart disease. Recognizing stress-reduction practises like yoga, meditation, and relaxation methods is crucial.

Quit smoking- Smoking increases the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking can improve general health and reduce the risk of heart disease

Drinking alcohol- Many health issues, such as liver disease, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of several malignancies, can be brought on by alcohol use. To remain healthy alcohol usage must be restricted.

Taking care of recurring ailments- Heart disease is more likely to affect women who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Medication, dietary changes, and regular checkups are required for the management of these illnesses.