Diabetes, hypertension

Diabetes and hypertension may increase the risk of heart attack in women, a new study said.
The study showed that an elevated risk of heart attack was found among women with high blood pressure, and Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes, but not with a high body mass index (BMI),health news reported.

“Overall, more men experience heart attacks than women. However, several major risk factors increase the risk in women more than they increase the risk in men, so women with these factors experience a relative disadvantage,” said Elizabeth Millett, epidemiologist from The George Institute in the UK.

Generally heart attack patients experience symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain in their arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach. But, women are likely to experience additional symptoms such as unusual tiredness, dizziness, cold sweats, and nausea or vomiting.
For the study the team examined 4,72,000 participants aged 40 to 69. 56 per cent of them were women. High blood pressure, diabetes and smoking increased the risk of a heart attack in both sexes but their impact was far greater in women.

Hypertension increased a woman’s risk of heart attack by an extra 83 per cent relative to its effect in a man. Type-2 diabetes, which is usually associated with poor diet and other lifestyle factors, had a 47 per cent greater impact on the heart attack risk of a woman relative to a man, while Type-1 diabetes had an almost three times greater impact in a woman.
“These findings highlight the importance of raising awareness around the risk of heart attack women face, and ensuring that women as well as men have access to guideline-based treatments for diabetes and high BP,” Millett said.

It is important to be aware of early warning signs. Some people notice changes in their body for up to a month before having a heart attack. You may experience discomfort in your chest, which is frequently mistaken for heartburn. Discomfort caused by a blockage is called angina. The pain can radiate to the shoulders, back, arms and jaw. Because the blood cannot reach the heart and other regions of the body as easily, you may feel tired, weak and short of breath.

Symptoms are usually brought on by physical exertion, stress or intense emotions. Most heart attacks involve an uncomfortable sensation in the center of the chest: pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. Some people describe feeling like there is an elephant on their chest. Other symptoms include breaking out in a cold sweat and other fever-like symptoms.