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Heart disease is thought to primarily affect men, but its impact on women is just as significant, although it often manifests differently in both.
Heart disease is thought to primarily affect men, but its impact is equally significant in women, although often different. In India, the prevalence of heart disease in women ranges from 3% to 13% and has increased by almost 300 percent in the last two decades. Recent studies show that the prevalence of heart failure in Indian women has doubled from 2000 to 2015.
With these alarming statistics, it is important to acknowledge these gender-specific differences, especially in conditions like atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). ASCVD refers to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Dr Preeti Gupta, Associate Professor, Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi, emphasised the importance of early cholesterol screening for women as they often do not have symptoms. She said women should start getting their cholesterol checked from the age of 45. In my practice, I have found that about 25% of women have elevated LDL-C levels and it plays a major role in ASCVD. Many women are not aware of their elevated cholesterol levels. Current lifestyle and hormonal fluctuations can increase cholesterol levels. If not taken care of on time, it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases like ASCVD. Regular checkups and lipid profile scans can help identify risk factors early and intervene on time. In addition, personalised prevention plans based on individual women's LDL-C goals also matter
Impact of ASCVD in Women
These studies demonstrate that ASCVD affects women differently in terms of symptoms, risk factors, and outcomes. Women often develop ASCVD later in life, particularly after menopause, and experience symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, or abdomen. These symptoms are often overlooked or misinterpreted, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. While ASCVD risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking are common in men and women, women have additional risk due to pregnancy-related conditions (eg, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia) and hormonal influences (eg, polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause). As women age, the risk of developing ASCVD increases due to decreased levels of hormones such as estrogen due to menopause.
The Relationship Between ASCVD and Cholesterol
ASCVD is a long-term health problem in which cholesterol builds up in the arteries. Over time, the arteries become narrow and stiff as cholesterol plaque builds up. As plaque builds up, it can lead to a number of serious health problems, such as heart attack and stroke.
Difference Between Good and Bad Cholesterol
Cholesterol is essential for the body's functioning, but its imbalance can also prove harmful. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often labeled as bad cholesterol, contributes to ASCVD by promoting plaque buildup in the arteries. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as good cholesterol, helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of arterial plaque formation.
The importance of LDL cholesterol levels in women's heart health
LDL cholesterol plays a central role in the development of ASCVD, making it an important focus for women's heart health. Knowing one's LDL cholesterol levels through regular lipid profile testing and cholesterol monitoring is essential to managing this risk.
Why is it important to talk to your doctor?
Given the different risk factors and manifestations of ASCVD in women, a single treatment approach for all is inadequate. It is important to talk openly and honestly with your doctor about your heart health. Discuss your reproductive history, hormonal status, lifestyle, and any genetic predisposition. By working together to set personalized LDL cholesterol goals, you and your doctor can develop a prevention plan tailored to your unique health profile.
Heart health care requires a holistic approach that prioritizes cholesterol management through regular monitoring, individualized care plans, and effective doctor-patient communication. By understanding and managing LDL cholesterol levels, women can take proactive steps to protect their heart health and improve their overall health.