Severe Heart Attacks claim more lives of women as opposed to men in a hospital setting

Severe Heart Attacks claim more lives of women as opposed to men in a hospital setting

New Delhi, Dec 19, 2015: During the winters the incidence of heart attacks increase drastically. There are several reasons for this including winter depression, Vitamin D deficiency, as well as an excess consumption of a comfort diet comprising of food high in high trans fat, salt and sugar content.

Additionally, cold temperatures cause the heart arteries to condense thereby restricting the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. This often causes a rise in the blood pressure of patients with hypertension or existing cardiovascular disease. The temperature drop also increases the chances of blood clot formation, since blood platelets are more active and stickier in cold temperatures. It is found that there is a 50% increased risk of angina and heart attacks during winters as opposed to other seasons.

Commenting on the topic, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said, “It is a known fact that the number of deaths due to heart attacks, cardiac arrests and strokes increase during the winters. However many remain unaware that while men and women have about the same adjusted in-hospital death rate for heart attacks — but women are more likely to die if hospitalized for a more severe type of heart attack.”

According to research, Women are twice as likely as men to die if hospitalized for a type of heart attack known as ST–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Women are also less likely to receive appropriate and timely treatment for heart attack. Women with STEMI have a 12 percent higher relative risk for in–hospital death compared to men.

Compared to men, women are 14 percent less likely to receive early aspirin; 10 percent less likely to receive beta blockers; 25 percent less likely to receive reperfusion therapy (to restore blood flow); 22 percent less likely to receive reperfusion therapy within 30 minutes of hospital arrival; and 13 percent less likely to receive angioplasty within 90 minutes of hospital arrival.

Women admitted with an STEMI are about twice as likely to die in the first 24 hours of hospitalization as men.

A few ways in which people can prevent heart attacks this winter include:

·         Consume a diet rich in both soluble and insoluble fibres

·         Staying well hydrated is key during the winter months since it gives you more energy, mental clarity and an enhanced digestive function.

·         Make an effort to include raw foods such as fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds and fresh herbs in your diet.

·         Get enough Sunlight.

·         Quit smoking! Winter Asthma and respiratory illnesses are very common amongst smokers which also puts them at high risk of heart attacks