Heart disease as one
of the number one killer of women in Canada, but very few women who pay
attention to the serious problem of heart disease as a major health problem. In
fact, women and their doctors often miss the symptoms of heart disease, passing
them off as a sense of the normal aches and pains of aging or indigestion or
stress
The traditional belief that heart disease predominantly
affects men is false. In 2000, 36 per cent of all female deaths in Canada were
a result of heart disease compared to 34 per cent for males. As women age the
risk of dying from heart disease increases dramatically. Researchers believe
that after menopause women lose the heart protecting benefits of estrogen. The
result is a steep increase in heart disease and death. Women need to educate
themselves on the risks of this deadly disease and play an active role in their
own heart health.
It is not all bad news. Medical discoveries are paving the
way to better preventive treatments. A recent landmark study investigated a new
treatment for both men and women with coronary disease who are what
cardiologists consider 'low-risk' but nevertheless are dying even though they
feel quite well until a few days before they die. This important international
study, EUROPA, provides compelling evidence that heart attacks and death can be
significantly reduced in patients with coronary artery disease when the common
and well studied ACE Inhibitor perindopril (Coversyl®) is added to their daily
treatment regimen. Considering that half of all heart disease deaths in women
are from coronary artery disease, this is both a milestone in cardiology and a
major step forward for women.
from NC
Heart Disease http://cornerheartclinic.blogspot.com
Heart Disease http://cornerheartclinic.blogspot.com
