Women characteristically develop clinically evident CHD up to 10 years later than men. According to the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), the lifetime risk of developing CHD after age 40 is 49% and 32% in men and women, respectively. While CHD deaths have decreased in men, studies indicate that CHD deaths in women have remained stable or even have increased. After menopause, the rate of CHD is 2-3 times that of premenopausal women who are the same age. Cardiac arrest is about three times greater in men than in women, However, women have lower recovery and survival rates than men.
Studies have shown that low levels of HDL convey a higher risk for CVD in women. Women’s total cholesterol is higher than men’s cholesterol beginning at age 45. As women go through menopause, their lipid profiles change and become more atherogenic. High triglycerides may increase the risk of CVD for women more than for men.
Danbury Dentist Jay M. Marks, DMD, wants you to understand your risks! Your heart is in your hands. Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable if you work to lower your risks. It's important to know that there are a range of factors that can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing heart disease and having a heart attack or stroke.