Prevention should start early

Heart disease is often thought of as a “men’s disease,” but cardiovascular disease is also a major health threat for women. The important message is that prevention should not begin after a heart attack or after menopause�"it should start early begin in adolescence and young adulthood.

Risk factors can develop silently: High blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, insulin resistance, obesity and poor dietary habits may develop years before symptoms appear.

Pregnancy can reveal future cardiovascular risk: Conditions such as gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can signal increased cardiovascular risk later in life.

Menopause changes the risk profile: After menopause, changes in estrogen, body-fat distribution, blood pressure and lipid metabolism can contribute to increasing cardiovascular risk. But waiting until menopause to act is too late�"healthy habits built earlier are valuable.

Women may experience heart disease differently: Women can have classic chest discomfort, but symptoms may also include unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness or discomfort in the back, jaw or arm. These symptoms shouldn't be dismissed. 

Understanding your heart disease risk:  Know your numbers, regular screening is essential. Ideal targets include: Blood pressure: less than 120/80 mmHg, Fasting blood glucose: less than 100 mg/dL and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL.

You can also ask your clinician about additional blood tests that may help identify risk earlier, such as: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] �" recommended to be checked at least once in a lifetime, Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and High sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP).

Prevention starts with everyday choices: A heart-healthy lifestyle for Bangladeshi women can include -- Plenty of vegetables and leafy greens,  regular colorful seasonal fruits,  fish, especially oily fish when available, dal, beans and other pulses, eggs and appropriate lean protein, more whole grains and less refined carbohydrate, nuts and seeds in appropriate portions, less salt and highly processed foods,  less added sugar and sugary drinks, no tobacco,  regular physical activity, Adequate sleep and stress management and last one maintaining a healthy weight.