There are several contributing factors and health issues contributing to the alarmingly increased rate of heart disease in women. Chief among these is the increased rate of metabolic syndrome which is directly related to the obesity epidemic.
WHAT IS METABOLIC SYNDROME?
This consists of three or more of the following:
1) Waist circumference of over 88 inches
2) Blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher systolic or 85 mm Hg diastolic.
3) HDL cholesterol of less than 50 mg/dL
4) Triglycerides over 150 mg/dL
5) Fasting plasma glucose of over 100 mg/dL
WHY IS METABOLIC SYNDROME SO BAD?
This is due to the increased risk to the cardiovascular system. Patients with essential high blood pressure have CRP (C-reactive protein) levels that are high. CRP, other factors such as TNF alpha and interleukin-6 are elevated. These are significant in the development of heart disease. All of the above risk factors respond to diet and lifestyle changes.
RELATED HEALTH ISSUES
1) Sleep disorders
2)Stress and anxiety
3) Depression
4)Vitamin D Deficiency
5)Rheumatoid arthritis
6) Tobacco, alcohol dependency