American Heart Association Highlights Critical Health Risks for Women
The American Heart Association reveals key insights into cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health for women, emphasizing the interconnected nature of heart, kidney, and metabolic conditions and their potential long-term health implications.
The American Heart Association has identified significant health risks facing women through its new cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health initiative, revealing that nearly 45% of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
Experts emphasize that women's heart health differs markedly from men's, with unique risk factors and symptoms. Women are more likely to experience heart disease symptoms in areas such as arms, jaw, and neck, and may develop blockages in smaller blood vessels around the heart.
The initiative highlights five critical aspects of women's health: understanding personal health risks, taking early preventative action, recognizing interconnected risk factors, understanding how pregnancy and menopause impact health, and acknowledging social factors that uniquely affect women's healthcare.
Medical professionals stress that women with Type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease may reach elevated cardiovascular disease risk 8-9 years earlier than those without these conditions. Additionally, pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can serve as early indicators of future chronic health challenges.
Key health metrics recommended for women include maintaining blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg, managing cholesterol levels, monitoring weight through waist circumference and body mass index, and tracking blood sugar levels.
Dr. Sadiya Khan, a leading expert involved with the initiative, emphasizes the importance of women advocating for their health, including requesting comprehensive screenings and discussing heart, kidney, and metabolic health factors with healthcare professionals.