Women & Cardiovascular Health

Women constitute half of our population. However, they are underrepresented in medical studies, are less aware of their health issues, and are traditionally less cared for by society.

On International Women’s Day, Dr Ankur Ahuja, Senior Consultant, Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, sheds light on how women can take care on their heart health with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.

Females are typically protected from angina or heart attacks (i.e., coronary artery disease- CAD) during their premenopausal period because of their hormones. However, with changing lifestyle habits, this ailment is more and more frequently seen in young women. Besides CAD, hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, arrhythmias, and atrial fibrillation are also more prevalent in women nowadays.

It is high time that women take better care of their health by merely forming some habits:

a) Eating better (less calorie-dense, junk foods that are low in sugar/jaggery/honey, low in fats & salt; more fruits & vegetables).
b) Exercising more (>30 min of walk every day & a few days of lightweight exercises).
c) Evaluating & managing their weight (target BMI < 23 kg/m²), diabetes & hypertension.
d) Enjoying life & managing emotional well-being.
e) Avoid smoking & excessive alcohol consumption.