Discover the Unhealthy Habits That Increase Heart Disease Risk in Women: Essential Tips for a Healthier Life

Heart disease is a major health concern, and a fresh study shows that women might be at higher risk than men due to specific lifestyle habits. Researchers from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto found that eight key factors—diet, sleep, physical activity, smoking, body mass index, blood glucose levels, lipids, and blood pressure—affect women’s heart health more than men’s.

The study observed over 175,000 Canadian adults from the Ontario Health Study between 2009 and 2017. Their health patterns were analyzed against heart disease outcomes, such as heart attacks and strokes, over an 11-year period. Surprisingly, more women (9.1%) were in ideal health compared to men (4.8%), but women with poor health had a substantially higher risk of heart disease.

For women in poor health, the heart disease risk was nearly five times greater than for those in ideal health, while the risk for men with poor health was 2.5 times. Even among those with intermediate health, the risk for women was 2.3 times greater than those deemed healthy, compared to a 1.6 times risk for their male counterparts.

Dr. Maneesh Sud, the study’s lead author, emphasized that the impact of these health factors is not the same for both genders. He pointed out that while women generally experience better health, the adverse effects of lifestyle factors on their heart health are more pronounced.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor at NYU Langone Health, noted that unique life stresses, such as hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, might make women more vulnerable to heart disease. He highlighted that estrogen plays a protective role against heart issues, and its decline post-menopause could contribute to increased risks.

The findings advocate for tailored risk assessment strategies based on gender to better predict heart disease susceptibility. Cardiologist Dr. Bradley Serwer stressed the importance of focusing research specifically on women’s cardiovascular health, suggesting that traditional methods have often overlooked gender differences in risk.

With heart disease being the leading cause of death globally, understanding these disparities is vital. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases claim approximately 17.9 million lives each year. As conversations around heart health evolve, it’s crucial to acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by women.

The study’s revelations are a stepping stone for further exploration into how health factors influence heart disease across genders. The goal is to enhance prevention strategies and save lives. If you’re interested in heart health or want to learn more about the research, visit the American College of Cardiology for updates and information.

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