Something positive has happened in the country in recent years. perceptions of women and their cardiovascular risk: They are now much more aware that the risk of heart attack is similar to that of men (some time ago there was an almost common belief that it was a man’s disease). This new perception is a big step forward because it promotes self-care; but there is still much to be done.
- Clinical research has also improved in this regard. since the female population is now taken into account. Until recently, research (whether studying the effects on the heart or analyzing the effectiveness of drugs and other treatments) was conducted primarily in the male population… and then the results were applied to both sexes, despite the obvious differences between them. .
- And we’ve taken it one step further to serve you better. person suffering from cardiovascular disease: we act in the earlier stages – before a serious heart attack occurs and leaves a permanent mark on the heart and arteries – because we have imaging tests that give us a lot of information about how a person the heart does. In addition, we now use what we call translational research, which involves the most basic scientists and clinicians (closer to what the patient experiences) sharing information. This is very important, and ultimately the patient benefits from the minute he enters the clinic.
This is how you can damage a woman’s heart
Focusing on the female heart and the possibility of a heart attack, it is worth explaining why the risk increases after the last period and entering the menopause stage.
- The presence or absence of estrogen denotes a clearly defined limit.The relationship between estrogen, which our bodies produce until we are about 50–52 years old, and heart health is still unknown to science. The exact way this hormone protects us is not yet known. When the potential benefits of taking estrogen have been investigated, the results have been conflicting or unclear. But we do know that it has a lot to do with the way the body metabolizes fat and the body’s use of high levels of LDL cholesterol, which is widely known as the “bad” cholesterol. As long as there is estrogens in the body, the walls of the arteries are protected from these lipids, as well as from other fats, triglycerides, and excess glucose. And there is less chance of an increase and narrowing of the caliber of this artery.
- Sometimes women experience “different” heart attacks due to diabetes. In most cases, a heart attack occurs—in men and women—due to an obstruction, a blockage, in one of the large arteries we call the epicardial arteries. But sometimes women suffer more from other types of heart attacks. This is what we call microvascular disease, and what happens is that it’s not a large artery that gets clogged or blocked, but a very small one. We know what happens, especially to women with diabetes.
How to recognize a heart attack in women
Heart attack YesUsually a few days’ notice is given.In many cases, the day before there is discomfort, which, although not specific, is repeated. Usually this is a general malaise, sweating, episodes of shortness of breath… This must be given importance and consulted with a doctor, since this may be a warning that the artery has not completely closed and that the heart is suffering. If the person receives medical attention during this time, the artery may be prevented from completely closing.
- When a heart attack occurs, there is usually more than one symptom. There is usually a strong and constant pain in the chest, as if a stone were lying on top of it. If the left wrist also hurts (sometimes radiating to the neck or back) or there is pain in the pit of the stomach, difficulty breathing (shortness of breath) and it does not go away, you should call an ambulance or go to emergency medical care, if possible before 5 or 10 minutes have passed (from It takes about 6 hours for the onset of a heart attack to cause irreversible heart damage).
- The most obvious sign of the disease in women is usually sweating and shortness of breath. Stomach or wrist pain may be common and have other causes. It is for this reason that it is more difficult for women to know whether the origin is in the heart. But if it is accompanied by sweating, dizziness, or shortness of breath (shortness of breath), the body warns that this is not something temporary.
- It is extremely important to see a doctor as soon as possible because the time it takes us doctors to reopen a damaged, blocked artery will determine how that person recovers and the scar – the damage – remains in the heart. However, many women present to the hospital very late – on average it takes 237 minutes – because they consider the discomfort to be unimportant. Treating them in the first hours after the onset of a heart attack makes it easier to preserve many heart cells.
- New treatments are suitable for women. Traditionally, women who have had a heart attack have been treated with a certain paternalism: perhaps it was believed that they were more fragile and would not be able to withstand high doses of drugs or catheterization. Today this has been corrected and we are doing a better job of adjusting his treatment to give him what he really needs so he can recover well.
Visits to the doctor after discharge
Experts insist that it is extremely important for a woman who has had a heart attack don’t skip medical checkups as soon as you leave the hospital. The accumulation of daily obligations can lead to failure to fulfill them.
- You always have to adjust the dose. After the patient is discharged, we prescribe a small amount of medication because, among other things, blood pressure is usually affected, but this dose will have to be adjusted in the future. As a woman recovers from a heart attack, her low blood pressure may rise again and her medication dose may need to be increased. If this is not done, the woman may be treated inappropriately.
The Lifestyle That Protects Us Most
It is important to understand that every harmful factor that a person includes in his life (smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition and high LDL levels or altered glucose levels lead to cardiovascular disease) does not add, but multiplies the risk and likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. vascular diseases. swift attack.
- What can you do after menopause to protect it? It is a good idea to review your daily routine and change those that are harmful to your health. Mediterranean countries have an advantage because—whether due to a healthier diet or a climate that encourages us to be more active—we have fewer heart problems (especially less coronary heart disease or clogged arteries) than cold countries.
- The exercise “cleanses” the arteries.The human body is designed for the outdoors. Therefore, physical exercise is one of the factors that most protects us from cardiovascular disease. Because of its great protective effect – we know that it is effective even in old age, over 70 or 75 years old – it is recommended to practice it several times a week. If you don’t want to go to the gym, it’s a good idea to go for a walk every day when you can. We can do this even if we go by car because we can leave it parked in front of our destination and complete the tour on foot. And if you can add vigorous-moderate activity, even better: two to three hours a week (over several days) of brisk walking, running, or swimming will provide additional heart benefits.
- Food is another one of the most protective agents. Once we enter menopause, we should strive to eat healthy. Even healthier than in previous stages. And it’s especially important to avoid trans fats, saturated fats and sugars, since all the research shows they’re even worse than the bad fats. These sugars are present in almost all processed foods, even those that taste salty. That is why it is so important to give preference to home-cooked food and fish over meat, to eat fruits, vegetables and olive oil daily, and legumes 3-4 times a week. As for the timing of meals, it may be most advisable to have an early dinner and delay breakfast somewhat to give the body a rest for 12 or 14 hours. During this break, regeneration of many cells and tissues occurs, which can also affect the cardiovascular system.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene can helpreduce the risk of heart damage. And when oral bacteria migrate or move into this organ, they can cause endocarditis, which is an infection of the valves (or gates) that allow blood to move in and out.