Heart failure risk in women
The heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) is one of the most common in this country causes of death. Up to four million people in Germany have a weak heart. Female hearts differ from those of men in size and pumping capacity. An expert explains what Women leads to heart failure.
cardiac insufficiency in women is a problem that is often overlooked. Women in Germany make up around half of all those affected and around a third more women than men die from it, reports the German Heart Foundation in an older one Message. A cardiologist explains what makes women’s hearts vulnerable.
Consequences for the entire body
If the pumping power of the heart decreases, this has consequences for the entire body. Organs such as the brain, liver, kidneys and muscles are no longer supplied with enough oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, a current study found press release explained by the German Heart Foundation.
Distinguish between cardiologists different shapes heart failure (medical: heart failure). In the case of cardiac insufficiency with a reduced pumping function (systolic cardiac insufficiency), the organ no longer pumps powerfully enough.
In cardiac insufficiency with preserved pump function the heart still pumps vigorously, but it no longer fills up with enough blood because the tissue is no longer elastic enough. Then there is talk of diastolic heart failure.
Differences between female and male hearts
“Women are more likely to suffer from diastolic heart failure, i.e. a disturbance in the elasticity and thus in the filling of the heart”, explains the cardiologist Prof. Dr. Christiane Tiefenbacher, board member of the German Heart Foundation. This is on the differences of female and male hearts in both size and pumping capacity.
This is reflected in the form of heart failure. According to the expert, women generally have a slightly stiffer and smaller heart than men. The organ is less able to stretch and fill with blood. This is about a higher pump power balanced.
As women get older, this anatomical fact becomes more important: the size of the heart decreases with age. During menopause, the reduced estrogen production not only increases blood pressure but also increases the formation of connective tissue in the heart and the heart continues to lose weight elasticity.
Often the result of a heart attack
There are other influencing factors that favor female cardiac insufficiency: “In particular, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes mellitus have a negative effect on the elasticity of the heart tissue and are therefore important for women risk factors for cardiac insufficiency. If they occur together, their effects are potentiated.”, according to Prof. Dr. Tiefenbacher.
The factors mentioned are also critical with regard to the risk of a heart attack. “Heart failure is often the result of a heart attack. When the heart is infarcted, heart tissue dies and scarring occurs, which limits the heart’s performance.”explains the chief physician for cardiology at Marien-Hospital Wesel.
First symptoms of cardiac insufficiency
Heart failure usually develops gradually – and therefore stays often unrecognized for a long time. The symptoms are often mistakenly dismissed as signs of aging.
“Women should be vigilant. shortness of breathdeclining performance as well as exhaustion are the first symptoms of cardiac insufficiency. Also let water retentionso-called edema, often swelling of the feet”, says the Heart Foundation expert. Everyday activities such as climbing stairs, shopping or cycling become more strenuous.
Important to know: A sudden onset of symptoms such as shortness of breath, tiredness, physical weakness, sleep disturbances or occasionally back and upper abdominal pain can indicate a heart attack in women. The typical chest pain is often absent or less pronounced.
One of the most common causes of death
As the current communication goes on to say, cardiac insufficiency is a serious and insidious disease that usually occurs with unspectacular symptoms and insidiously with shortness of breath, reduced performance and fluid retention, for example in the lower legs (swollen legs, ankle oedema).
This entails the risk that older sufferers will report their complaints to them Alter attribute it and just accept it instead of going to the doctor. Chronic heart failure should definitely be treated.
Heart failure is one of the most common in Germany causes of death and is a more common cause of death than cancer. Up to four million people in this country have a weak heart. The risk of disease increases with age. Over 40,000 people die from this disease every year.
“Anyone who suffers from shortness of breath should have a doctor clarify whether a heart disease, such as cardiac insufficiency, is the cause”recommends Prof. Tiefenbacher. “The earlier a diseased heart is recognized and treated, the sooner one can counteract deterioration.“ (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- German Heart Foundation: Risk of cardiac insufficiency in women (accessed: July 2nd, 2022), German Heart Foundation
- German Heart Foundation: Women’s hearts in danger: How do you protect yourself from cardiac insufficiency?, (accessed: July 2nd, 2022), German Heart Foundation
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.