By eigindia New Delhi: Saturday 16, February 2013: Medical research is confirming that, even in heart disease, men and women share a variety of risk factors, though they manifest differently. Both genders are affected by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity, but the way these factors impact their cardiovascular health varies.
For instance, while both men and women can experience atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) as a result of these factors, women are more likely to develop heart disease later in life, often after menopause, while men tend to develop it earlier. Furthermore, the symptoms of heart disease may present differently in women—often less obviously, which can sometimes lead to delayed diagnoses.
Research has also highlighted that women might have a higher risk of experiencing heart disease after undergoing major life stressors, such as pregnancy complications or the onset of menopause. Moreover, psychological factors such as stress and depression have been shown to impact women more significantly than men when it comes to heart disease.
The latest findings suggest that understanding these gender-specific differences is crucial for better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies for heart disease. The medical community is increasingly focusing on personalized medicine that takes into account the individual’s gender, lifestyle, and overall health status.
Ultimately, both men and women must take proactive steps in managing their heart health, including maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and seeking regular medical check-ups.