Heart disease has long been considered a health concern that mostly affects older men. However, doctors are increasingly observing a worrying shift - more women, including younger and premenopausal women, are being diagnosed with coronary artery disease, or CAD. According to doctors, modern lifestyles, stress, poor diet, and lack of awareness about women’s heart health are contributing to this trend. “This has become an increasing trend, particularly among younger, premenopausal women,” Dr. Ameya Udyavar, Consultant, Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist, PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, told Times Now Health.
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However, according to Dr. Udyavar, the good news is that simple lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. A few proactive steps to protect your heart and overall well-being include:
One of the most effective ways to protect your heart is through regular aerobic exercise. “Aerobic exercise refers to any activity that increases your heart rate,” he said. A few examples of aerobic exercise include:
Many traditional Indian meals are high in carbohydrates but relatively low in protein. Excessive carbohydrate intake can lead to poor blood sugar control and increase the risk of metabolic disorders. Adding protein to every meal can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and better metabolic health.
Best sources of protein include fish, eggs, chicken, soybeans, tofu, paneer, lentils, curd, and yogurt. Balanced nutrition is a key component of preventing heart disease and maintaining long-term health.
Many people overlook sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Frequent snoring, poor sleep quality, or daytime fatigue may signal the condition. Sleep apnea is particularly common in individuals who are overweight and can place extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. If left untreated, it may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Smoking is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, particularly among younger individuals. Tobacco chemicals damage blood vessels and make it easier for blood clots to form in the coronary arteries. These clots can block blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and serious cardiovascular complications. Quitting smoking significantly lowers the risk of coronary artery disease and improves overall cardiovascular health.
Every woman should regularly monitor important health indicators that affect heart health, including blood pressure levels, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and an HbA1c, a three-month average of blood sugar. If these numbers are elevated, they can often be managed through dietary changes, exercise, stress management, or medication when necessary.
Persistent health symptoms must never be ignored
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