Date:14/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/14/stories/2008101461120600.htm

National

‘Women more prone to heart diseases’

Staff Reporter

CHANDIGARH: “Women are more prone to heart diseases than men, though the problem does not get diagnosed at early stages,” said J.P.S. Sawhney, consultant cardiologist with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, addressing over 400 medical practitioners at Prime Continued Medical Education (CME 2008) here over the weekend.

Dr. Sawhney said women fear cancer more than cardio-vascular diseases (CVD), which is why not many women take symptoms such as chest pain seriously.

“CVD are the biggest cause of death among women in the U.S. and the trend is equally alarming in developing nations, with India taking the lead due to its altered lifestyle,” Dr. Sawhney said.

Increased risk

In India, he added, no woman is unemployed whether they are taking care of their home, work, or both, all by themselves, which makes them prone to psycho-social stress and post-menopause, the risk of acquiring CAD and CVD increases manifold.

“Women at the age of child-bearing do not come under the danger zone as they have hormonal protection; once they enter menopause, they become prone to CVD and the chances increases four times if they smoke,” he said.

Elaborating on factors leading to CVD in women, Dr. Sawhney said, “Lack of activity among women is a factor as it leads to obesity. Apart from this, smoking also adds to the risk. Hypertension, which increases steeply after menopause, diabetes and stress are other vital factors.”

According to the doctors, symptoms related to CVD among women are few.