Why Heart Disease can be Overlooked in Women

The online journal, Medical News Today’s reports women and girls across the world still face challenges and discrimination in medical settings both as patients and prospective medical workers. One example of an area in which women’s medical health is often overlooked and misdiagnosed is coronary heart disease (CHD) despite the fact that it is the leading cause of death for women.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute explains CHD occurs when the arteries delivering oxygenated blood into the heart (where it is pumped out to the other organs) are not able to “service” the heart effectively. Studies show women may also be more at risk for developing non-obstructive CHD, a condition that causes the arteries going into the heart to be abnormally squeezed by surrounding tissue.

CHD symptoms can vary between individuals as well as differ in men and women; and non-obstructive CHD can be symptom-less and go undetected for years. To complicate matters, research shows women’s symptoms are atypical and include things like “back pain, burning in the chest, abdominal discomfort, nausea, or fatigue — which makes the diagnosis more difficult.” Additionally studies show part of the problem is too often women wait to get medical attention. Sadly it is frequently after the disease has progressed, and the damage is harder to treat. Researchers also say most of the CHD studies done in the past have concentrated on men and have underrepresented women. Hopefully in the future, more women will be included.

MorningStar of Pasadena represents luxury senior living in vibrant Pasadena, CA. Residents enjoy carefree retirement years with opportunities for new friendships, predictable budgeting and activities amid beautiful surroundings. We invite you to contact us regarding availability and pricing for the area’s most trusted independent living and assisted living in Pasadena, CA.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324659.php

Comments

The Risks of Undetected SMIs

Did you know 45% of heart attacks are a “silent myocardial infarction (SMI)” and are likely to go undetected? Expert says they are more common in men than women, and a person typically does not experience the intensity felt during a normal heart attack. Often it is mistaken for heartburn, indigestion and other age-related aches and pains. A study published a few years ago in the Journal of the American Medical Association , found evidence of men suffering from undetected mild heart attacks. The study involved almost 2,000 people ages 45 to 84 (half of whom were men) who were free of any signs of cardiovascular disease. When doctors examined the group after ten years, “8% had myocardial scars, which are evidence of a heart attack. Most surprising was that 80% of these people were unaware of their condition.” The presence of myocardial scars was five times higher in men than in women. While symptoms can be mild and brief, experts say to seek immediate medic...

The Role of Sleep in Managing Chronic Pain for Elderly Patients

Sleep plays a critical role in the management of chronic pain, especially among the elderly. At facilities like senior housing Kirkland and senior living Kirkland , understanding and addressing the interplay between sleep and pain is key to improving residents' quality of life. Impact of Sleep on Pain Perception Research shows that poor sleep can increase sensitivity to pain. This is particularly relevant for seniors, as they are more likely to suffer from both sleep disturbances and chronic pain conditions. Good sleep helps to restore the body's natural pain control mechanisms, making it an essential element of pain management strategies. Strategies for Improving Sleep in Elderly Patients To enhance sleep quality and manage pain effectively, several strategies can be implemented. First, establishing a regular sleep schedule helps to regulate the body's internal clock and improve sleep quality. It's also important to create a sleep-conducive environment—quiet, dark, and...

Balance Problems Are Common in Older Adults

The statistics of older adults taking a fall each year are alarming, and consequences can impact the person’s independence, or in the worst case, be deadly. Experts say as we age, our bodies may start to feel less stable due to things like a loss of muscle mass, lack of flexibility and slower reflexes. Poor balance and dizziness can also be a result of medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, poor vision, thyroid, nerves, or blood vessels as well as medications. Another culprit interfering with balance is inner ear problems. The labyrinth is a part of the inner ear that controls balance and when it becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause lots of problems including vertigo. The condition called Labyrinthitis generally is a result of other issues such as head injuries, viral or bacterial infections, and circulatory system conditions like strokes or low blood pressure. The National Institute on Aging says families and caregivers should be on the lookout for an older ...

MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Search This Blog