Heart Disease Men vs. Women
Heart disease. It's one of the biggest killers of people across the globe. In fact, it is the leading cause of death in America, Canada, and England. The term "heart disease" is actually an umbrella term that includes several different diseases that affect the heart, such as coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular disease, and congestive heart failure to name a few. Though this deadly disease is responsible for killing millions of people each year, certain individuals are more susceptible. For instance, mostly older people are affected, though children are not completely immune. Overweight individuals also suffer more than their healthier counterparts, as do smokers. One of the most interesting aspects of heart disease, however, is how it affects men and women differently, and incredibly, the gender bias that often surrounds the disease.
When it comes to heart disease, men vs. women is often at the forefront of people's minds. Many people believe that the disease affects males and females differently, and they're not wrong. Heart disease is more prevalent among women. The disease kills more women than men each year, even edging out breast cancer as the number one killer. The disease itself can also manifest itself differently in the sexes. For example, heart attack symptoms in both men and women usually include chest pain, but women are also more likely to experience pain in their abdomen, neck or back. Artery blockages also appear to develop differently in men and women, with plaque typically building up in just one or two arteries in men, but throughout women's arteries. Factors like smoking and depression also have a more serious effect on the heart health of women than that of men. Doctors and scientists haven't found a definitive reason yet for these differences, although research does suggest that hormones, namely estrogen r eceptors in the heart, may be involved.
Treatment is another aspect where heart disease and men vs. women is concerned. There is often an underlying gender bias among both doctors and patients, due in part to the assumption that heart disease is a middle-aged man's disease. Even though this is entirely untrue, it has persisted over the years, although awareness efforts have helped people realize the dangers women face as well. Studies even show that some doctors are more aggressive in treating heart disease when their patient is a male. Though treatments can be as effective in women as they are in men, response to treatments can vary based on gender. Even aspirin therapy shows different results in men and women, with women experiencing reduced potential for stroke and men a reduced chance of heart attack.
As a leading cause of death, heart disease is obviously not something to be taken lightly, and people should realize that men and women will be affected by it differently. Women, in particular, should also be aware of the dangers they face and make sure that their doctor or medical professional is aware as well. Information is critical to staying healthy, and educating yourself on heart disease and how it could potentially affect you is the beginning of a healthy lifestyle.