Leading health threats for women

While some risk factors for leading health threats in women can’t be eliminated, other risks can be controlled and early warning signs detected. Women must educate themselves on the greatest risks to their health, and understand that many chronic health conditions are preventable.

Heart Disease

Heart or cardiovascular disease refers to conditions related to the process of atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This build up narrows the arteries, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood, and potentially stopping blood flow if a clot forms.

Blocked blood vessels can lead to chest pain, heart attack or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as those that affect the heart’s muscle, valves or rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease.

8.6 million women worldwide die from heart disease each year. Of those who have heart attacks, 42% die within a year. When a woman under 50 has a heart attack, it’s twice as likely to be fatal as a heart attack in a man under 50.

While many women may be unaware that they suffer from heart disease until a health incident occurs, there are red flags they should be aware of to better detect heart problems during the earliest and most treatable phases.

Possible symptoms

Breathlessness after moderate exercise
Chest pain
Tiring easily

Risk factors

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes and prediabetes
Smoking
Pain or tingling in the upper extremities
Fluttering in the chest
Light-headedness or dizziness
Being overweight or obese
Being physically inactive
Having a family history of early heart disease
Unhealthy diet

Heart disease is easier to treat when detected early. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of heart disease, you have a family history of heart disease or you are concerned about your heart health, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your heart disease risk.

Did you know?

Women are more likely than men to die following a heart attack.

Chronic lower respiratory disease

Women are more vulnerable than men to lung damage putting them at increased risk of illness from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including bronchitis and emphysema.

COPD manifests differently in women than men, resulting in more women dying each year from the disease.

Possible symptoms

Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Chronic cough
Blue lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis)
Swelling in ankles, feet or legs
Frequent respiratory infections
Lack of energy

Risk factors

Exposure to tobacco smoke
Exposure to dusts and chemicals
Exposure to fumes from burning fuel
Increasing age
Genetics

Alzheimer’s disease

Several studies have indicated that women have a much higher risk of Alzheimer’s than men. This may be due to the female hormone oestrogen, which has properties that protect against the memory loss that accompanies aging. When a woman reaches menopause, reduced levels of oestrogen may play a role in her increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Possible symptoms

Increased memory loss and confusion
Problems recognising family and friends
Inability to learn new things
Difficulty carrying out multistep tasks such as getting dressed
Impulsive behaviour

Risk factors

Increasing age
Lifestyle
Family history
High blood pressure
High cholesterol

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by a decrease in the density of bone, decreasing its strength and resulting in fragile bones.

It affects more women than men, as women have smaller, thinner bones than men. Oestrogen decreases when women reach menopause, which can cause bone loss, so the chance of developing osteoporosis increases as women reach menopause.

Despite this women can help prevent osteoporosis through diet and lifestyle. The behaviours that women develop in early life play a significant role in the development of the disease.

Talk to your doctor about your possible risk of osteoporosis, and what you can do to prevent problems.

Risk Factors

Increasing age
Small frame
Family history
Diet low in calcium and vitamin D
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Excessive alcohol

Did you know?

Although women aren’t as likely to suffer from strokes as men in the middle years, they’re more likely to be fatal if one occurs.