Did you know that women with clogged arteries have a higher risk of heart attacks than men? This startling statistic may surprise many people, but it is the reality for far too many women who don’t take action to prevent cardiovascular disease. The facts about arterial blockage in women are alarming and, if ignored, could result in death or disability.
A new study published in European Heart Journal—Cardiovascular Imaging has outlined heart attack risks for women. The study included 24,950 patients enrolled in the CONFIRM registry and had coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) used to obtain 3D images of the arteries in the heart. The participants were from six countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. Participants included women and men and were followed for an average of 3.7 years. All results were adjusted for age and cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history of coronary artery disease.
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It was found that women were at an elevated risk compared to men for heart attacks. This was especially observed in postmenopausal women. Researchers believe it may be partly because the inner diameter of the coronary arteries is smaller in women.
Study author Dr. Sophie van Rosendael said, “The results confirm the previously reported delay in the start of atherosclerosis in women. We also found that women are more likely to have non-obstructive disease. It was formerly thought that only obstructive atherosclerosis caused myocardial infarction , but we now know that non-obstructive disease is also risky.”
Atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries, can cause the blood vessels to become narrow, leading to heart attacks and strokes. While it is possible for young women to have heart attacks as a result of atherosclerosis, research indicates that women generally develop the condition later in life than men. In addition, women tend to have heart attacks at an older age than men due in part to the protective effect of estrogen.
Researchers suggest that after menopause, women may need a higher dose of statins or another lipid-lowering drug.
Heart Health and Artery Support
As this study suggests, your arteries may need a helping hand to stay strong and healthy as you age. Clinical Strength Artery Support is designed to give your arteries the circulation support it needs. Through a powerful combination of traditional and modern ingredients, including L-citrulline, green coffee extract, and green tea extract, Clinical Artery Support helps to improve circulation, cardiovascular health, and overall general health.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
