(Family Features) Women may be unaware of their risk for heart disease, kidney disease and metabolic conditions like diabetes, which drive risk for cardiovascular disease.
Consider these facts women should know about cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, or CKM health, from the scientific experts at the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular Disease is the No. 1 Killer of Women
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart disease and stroke, affects nearly 45% of women ages 20 and older, and 1 in 3 will die from it.
Women may experience symptoms uncommon in men. Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom, but women are more likely than men to experience pain in the arms, jaw or neck, too.
Early Action is Key
Women with either Type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease are predicted to reach elevated risk for CVD 8-9 years earlier than women with neither condition.
Risk Factors are Connected
The health factors that comprise CKM syndrome are connected. They include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, being overweight, high blood sugar and low kidney function.
Pregnancy and Menopause Affect Women’s CKM Health
Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension are risk factors for future chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Changes during menopause also influence long-term heart and metabolic health. This includes declining estrogen levels, increased body fat around the organs, increased cholesterol levels and stiffening or weakening of blood vessels. Early menopause (before age 45) is linked to a higher risk for kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and CVD.
Social Factors Affect Women’s Heart Health
Negative economic, environmental and psychosocial factors are associated with lower levels of physical activity and healthy eating and higher levels of conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Women should know their risk and advocate for their health by requesting thorough screenings that assess heart, kidney and metabolic health at regular medical check-ups. Visit heart.org/myCKMhealth to learn more.
