Risk Factors for Heart Attacks in Women
Risk factors for heart attacks in women include many of the same factors as men, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity. However, there are some additional risk factors that are more common in women. These include:
- Diabetes: Women with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart disease than men with diabetes.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, which increases their risk of heart disease.
- Pregnancy complications: Women who experience preeclampsia or gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing heart disease later in life.
In addition, menopause can also increase a woman’s risk of heart disease, as estrogen levels decrease.