Most city women prone to heart ailments: Docs

Two out of three women in Kolkata die of cardiac ailments, which is higher than the world average, according to a section of cardiologists. The number is also markedly higher than the number of women who succumb to breast cancer, that was perceived to be the leading killer disease among women. Experts warned that the number would keep rising, since awareness of heart diseases is lower among women than men. A trend study conducted at city private hospitals reveals that an alarmingly large number of women were now reporting for treatment. The majority is suffering from ischaemia and hypertension. Nearly 40% had already suffered a heart attack when they sought treatment. "It is alarming but true that women are now as susceptible to heart diseases as men. Till recently, women heart patients were fewer than men, but not any longer. Changes in lifestyle, stress and food habits are responsible. But the worrying thing is that there are still a huge number of women who are yet to seek treatment," said cardiologist A Khan, consultant at Appollo Gleneagles Hospital. Worldwide, one out of three women die of cardiac ailments. The reason why Kolkata fared worse than the rest of the world was diabetes and ignorance, said experts. "Diabetes is among the biggest inducers of heart ailments. Unfortunately, the number of diabetes patients is very high in this part of the world. It slowly affects the heart and remains unmonitored. By the time it is detected, the ailment has already set in," said cardiologist P S Banerjee. In about 75% of diabetes patients, cardiac ailments set in within a year since the walls of the arteries and the brain accumulate lipid and cholesterol deposits. Change in lifestyle is another major factor, felt experts. Since more and more women are now working, they are more prone to stress and hypertension. "Eating habits have changed, and so has lifestyle. Also, there is a tendency among women to try and ignore their ailments till it becomes very serious. This has made the situation worse. Most women patients are in an advanced state of cardiac ailment when they are brought for treatment," said Khan.


Article from THE TELEGRAPH , Calcutta . [ 29 Sep 2008]