Heart disease is on track to tighten its grip on women. New projections from the American Heart Association warn that over the next 25 years, cardiovascular disease will rise sharply. This rise will be driven largely by a surge in high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
Researchers expect increases across every major category of cardiovascular disease in women, including heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke. Dr Stacey E. Rosen, President of the AHA says, “While many people may think these conditions like high blood pressure are only occurring in older women, we know this is not the case. We know the factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke begin early in life, even among young women and girls.”
There is also positive news. High cholesterol levels are expected to decline across nearly all groups of women. Improvements are also anticipated in several behaviours that influence cardiovascular health, including healthier eating, increased physical activity and reduced smoking.
8 Steps To Improve The Health Of Your Heart
The American Heart Association defines ideal heart health through its ‘Life’s Essential 8’. You should eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep. Additionally, manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure.
- Eat better: A heart-healthy eating pattern focuses on nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, nuts and healthy fats, while limiting excess salt, added sugars and highly processed foods.
- Move more: Regular physical activity helps strengthen the heart muscle, improve circulation, support healthy blood pressure and boost overall wellbeing.
- Don’t smoke: Avoiding tobacco is one of the most important steps for cardiovascular health, as smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Sleep well: Quality sleep is also essential, allowing the body to regulate hormones, repair cells and maintain healthy metabolic function.
- Healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on the heart, lowers inflammation and decreases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
- Keep cholesterol in check: Healthy cholesterol levels help prevent fatty plaque build-up in arteries, supporting better blood flow and reducing heart attack risk.
- Balanced blood sugar: Stable blood sugar protects blood vessels, reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of diabetes-related heart damage and cardiovascular disease.
- Normal blood pressure: Healthy blood pressure reduces stress on the heart and arteries, helping prevent damage, heart failure and stroke.
While genetics and age influence heart health, research shows that many cardiovascular risk factors can be improved through everyday choices.
