Women at Risk for Heart Disease

Real women speak up about heart disease.

U.S. News and World Report and Amanda Gardner reported today that women who with stressful jobs are a higher risk of suffering from heart attacks or will need to have coronary bypass surgery. The article also says women who worry about losing their jobs are at a great risk of cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure and higher cholesterol levels.

I share this article because women make up so much more of the workforce now. From my experience in working with women--mothers, wives, daughters--with and without families, the pressures of life, work and balancing it all can be a lot to handle. Moreover, heart disease is the number one killer of women, a little known fact. For warning signs of heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest check out the American Heart Association's web site. So little known that the American Heart Association now has a cause, "Go Red For Women" dedicated to raising awareness.

Study Finds
New research on the effects of work-related stress in women were presented today at the American Heart Association's annual meeting in Chicago, Ill. The study, done by associate physician Dr. Michelle A. Albert, looked at more than 17,000 female health professionals and after ten years followed up with the women.

The study showed women in demanding positions who have little control lead a more sedentary life. The article notes though that it is important to know the study "highlighted an apparent association between job stress and heart trouble for women, and did not prove a cause and effect."

The article on the U.S. News and World Report web site was surrounded by advertisements for health related products and services including Mt. Sinai, a cardiac center and an ad for Victoza, a diabetes drug. The article also had some ads I had never seen before: the words "women's health" were double underlined as though a link to more information but when I hovered over the words, they were actually an advertisement on losing weight. The drug and weight loss ads didn't say who was selling the product, I had to click on the link to find out.

Interesting Advertisements
Interestingly enough, there were no advertisements or links to the American Heart Association or the "Go Red for Women" campaign. I think, given the article had a press release like format and was announced as a result of the American Heart Association meeting, the Go red for Women campaign lost an opportunity. However, I have heard a lot about the campaign the last few months so I hope they continue to raise awareness of women's risk for heart disease.

Share the wealth of this information, find ways to de-stress, and be aware if you may be at risk for heart related health problems.