Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a widespread group of conditions that significantly impact the body and lead to many complications. While its prevention is essential for everyone, women deserve particular attention in this context. For them, the prevalence of these conditions is exceptionally high, as they affect nearly half of women and have a high mortality rate (Wells & Kalman, 2011). In addition, there is a problem in correctly diagnosing CVD, as the symptoms of women, especially in myocardial infarction (MI), can differ significantly from those of men (Wells & Kalman, 2011). Although women also experience chest pain like men, the nature of this pain is different and more similar to ache (Wells & Kalman, 2011). In addition, unusual fatigue and weakness manifest in various body parts.
These symptoms may continue within the prodromal period, the time from the onset of the first signs to the final development of the disease, up to a year. However, given the specifics of the symptoms, it is easy to confuse them with another disease. Thus, fatigue, sleep problems, and weakness can be attributed to symptoms of anxiety or depression, leading to neglect of developing MI (Wells & Kalman, 2011). In this context, it is crucial for a woman’s health to correctly identify the syndromes and take appropriate measures to stop the disease’s development in time.
Several lifestyle changes are also suggested to reduce the risk of developing CVD. In particular, it is necessary to exercise at a moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes per week (Wells & Kalman, 2011). Following a healthy diet is also necessary to maintain good cholesterol, glucose levels, and blood pressure. Such a diet should include fresh vegetables, fish, and whole grains (Wells & Kalman, 2011). Finally, sugar and alcohol intake should be limited, and trans fats should be avoided.
In order to determine your level of risk or the level of risk of a woman you know, one should, firstly, evaluate a lifestyle compared with the recommended. In addition, existing abnormalities or their presence in the family history of the disease are similar criteria (Wells & Kalman, 2011). Finally, abnormalities in specific tests, such as elevated levels of LDL-C, may be another factor. In the presence of such an element, women are recommended lipid-lowering therapy. The current recommendations are at least level 3 evidence and above and usually correlate with the American Heart Association.
Reference
Wells, M., & Kalman, M. (2011). Women & heart disease: Symptoms and treatment guidelines. The Nurse Practitioner, 36(9), 22-27. Web.