The Daily Mail website recently reported that the latest data shows coronary heart disease claims the lives of 35,000 women in the UK annually—a figure three times higher than breast cancer deaths. British researchers recently conducted an in-depth questionnaire survey and identified seven key risk factors women should be most vigilant about.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Risk of Onset: Approximately 1 in 10 individuals may develop heart disease
Expert Analysis: Dr. Glenn Thomas, a cardiologist at the University of Bristol's Heart Institute, states that family history is indeed a significant contributing factor to heart attacks. A Swedish study indicates that children whose mothers have a history of heart disease face a 43% increased risk of experiencing a heart attack themselves.
Professor Qi Wenhang from the Department of Cardiology at Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, notes that chronic excessive drinking elevates blood pressure, increasing long-term heart disease risk. Additionally, heavy drinking harms the liver and kidneys, necessitating strict moderation. However, a small daily glass of wine may benefit heart health.
Sweet Tooth
Risk Profile: Women with a family history of heart disease who consume excessive sweets leading to obesity may see one in three develop heart disease.
Expert Analysis: Sweets like cakes and cookies contain excessive calories and saturated fats.A sweet tooth can cause fat accumulation around the waist and hips in women, increasing the risk of high blood sugar and diabetes. This can lead to abnormal blood lipids, high blood pressure, and ultimately trigger heart disease. If a woman is already overweight and has a family history of heart disease, her chances of a heart attack multiply significantly. The best prevention is to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and develop a daily exercise routine.Women should limit daily saturated fat intake to no more than 20 grams. Additionally, Qi Wenhang emphasizes that beyond reducing sweets, it's crucial to control fat, calorie, and salt consumption. Fat elevates cholesterol and contributes to atherosclerosis; calories lead to obesity; and excessive salt raises blood pressure—all major threats to heart health.
Thyroid Function Decline
Risk Profile: Among elderly women with thyroid decline and high blood lipids, approximately 1 in 20 may develop heart disease.
Expert Analysis: A UK study found that 15 out of every 1,000 women suffer from thyroid decline. One-third of women with thyroid decline also have elevated blood pressure, a primary risk factor for heart disease.
Shen Jin, Chief Physician of Cardiology at Beijing Hospital, notes that individuals with thyroid decline have slower metabolism and are prone to obesity, which is detrimental to heart health. Qi Wenhang cautions that thyroid decline more commonly leads to low blood pressure rather than hypertension, emphasizing the need for individualized assessment. Experts recommend that women with thyroid decline undergo annual blood pressure checks at the hospital as a precaution.
Severe Snoring
Risk of Onset: Approximately 1 in 30 people may develop heart disease
Expert Interpretation: Studies indicate that individuals with severe snoring face a sixfold higher risk of heart attacks during sleep compared to normal sleepers. During snoring episodes, brief pauses in breathing cause fluctuations in blood pressure, nervous system activity, and hormone secretion.Qi Wenhang notes that sleep apnea often accompanies persistent hypertension, directly damaging heart health. Shen Jin adds that snoring can cause oxygen deprivation; insufficient blood oxygen levels may trigger myocardial ischemia. Both experts recommend that snorers consult a respiratory specialist to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Smoking
Risk Profile: Among women who smoke and consume high-calorie foods, approximately 1 in 15 may develop heart disease.
Expert Analysis: Studies indicate female smokers face a 25% higher risk of heart disease than male smokers, as women's bodies are more susceptible to tobacco's toxic effects.Qi Wenhang further explains that smoking directly damages vascular endothelial function, leading to vascular hardening and triggering coronary heart disease. Smoking has no benefits whatsoever; quit as soon as possible.One in ten pregnant women develops preeclampsia, and these mothers remain high-risk for future cardiovascular disease. The Women's Health Research Unit at University College London found that women with preeclampsia face over double the risk of heart attacks later in life, partly because preeclampsia may damage blood vessels.
Dr. Qi Wenhang advises that patients with peripartum hypertension must monitor their blood pressure regularly. Some patients may continue to have high blood pressure even after childbirth, requiring long-term treatment.
Frequent Migraines
Risk of Heart Disease: Approximately 1 in 15 women may develop heart disease
Expert Analysis:Studies indicate women with frequent severe migraines face double the risk of heart disease and stroke compared to the general population. This may stem from migraines altering blood flow patterns, while heart attacks occur due to insufficient myocardial blood supply. Qi Wenhang and Shen Jin caution that although such research exists, migraines have numerous triggers not necessarily linked to heart disease.However, persistent headaches warrant medical evaluation and should not be ignored.
Finally, both experts emphasize that factors like family history and lifestyle habits often intertwine in complex ways to trigger heart disease. The risks mentioned serve as a reminder for women to prioritize diet, exercise, and smoking cessation—beneficial for heart health and overall well-being.