Risk factors of Cardiovascular Disease in the UAE differ in women and men

Dubai, UAE: Cardiovascular diseases are divided into three; stroke, heart failure and coronary heart disease. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is by far the leading cause of mortality in women, responsible for more deaths than the next five leading causes of death combined (cancer, COPD, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and accidents).

Dr Rajesh Raipancholia, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Heart First Medical Centre, Dubai, UAE, will be speaking at the 6th Obs-Gyne Exhibition & Conference on the 1 April about how risk factors of cardiovascular diseases differ in women and men. The event is currently underway at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and continues tomorrow, 1 April 2014.

“The death rates for each of the three cardiovascular diseases for women are quite high, for example, there are more than 500,000 annual heart attack deaths in addition to a high disability rate for survivors, more than 250,000 women die every year of heart failure, and more than 100,000 women die annually from heart stroke,” says Dr Raipancholia.

Studies show that more women than men suffer from hypertension; 25% of women over the age of 18 suffer from the condition, 60% of Caucasian women below the age of 45, and 80% of African American women below the age of 45.

According to Dr Raipancholia, “Half of all women above the age of 55 have an abnormal lipid profile, and high levels of triglycerides. Having a low HDL and high triglycerides are stronger predictors of cardiovascular death in women than in men.”

In addition, studies have shown that women have become heavier smokers over the past years, doubling their risk of cardiovascular disease, sudden death, and high blood pressure and stroke risks. Women also seem to be more susceptible to lung cancer from smoking and “second hand” smoke than men.

“Women, who are over 30 pounds overweight, are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases (CVD) even if they have no other risk factors. The risk of CVD is higher especially when there is a greater concentration of weight around the waist as opposed to around the hips,” highlighted Dr Raipancholia.

Studies show that healthy choices have resulted in 330 fewer women dying from heart disease per day. There are clear indications that lifestyle changes should be made to further decrease the probability of dying from heart disease. These include quitting smoking, managing blood sugar levels, controlling blood pressure, lowering cholesterol level, learning more about her family history of cardiovascular diseases, remain active, lose excess weight, and a healthy diet.

Organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, the Obs-Gyne Exhibition & Congress is the largest gathering of obstetricians and gynaecologists in the Middle East. The endeavour aims to keep women’s health professionals, both in the UAE and the region, updated on the latest technologies and medical advancements in the field.  The exhibition showcases more than 54 exhibiting companies from 20 countries including industry giants such Roche, American Hospital Dubai, and Bayer Healthcare. The exhibition is free-to-attend for all healthcare trade professionals.