WORLD HEART DAY-2012: WOMEN AND CHILDREN AT RISK

WORLD HEART DAY-2012: WOMEN AND CHILDREN AT RISK

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This year, World Heart Day shines a spotlight on those who often go unnoticed when it comes to heart disease: women and children

September 29 is World Heart Day. The World Heart Federation created World Heart Day in 2000 to remind people of the enormity of the problem and of ways to prevent cardiovascular disease related deaths. In 2012, campaign activities focus on taking action to prevent heart disease in women and children.

The term "heart disease" refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease (CHD), which can cause heart attack, chest pain, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

Even though it is often considered a "man's disease," heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, accounting for 25% of all female deaths each year. Even women who have no symptoms may be at risk for heart disease. Almost two-thirds of the women who die suddenly of CHD had no previous symptoms. Standard tests for CHD are not designed to detect another type of heart disease, coronary micro vascular disease (MVD). MVD mainly affects women and is not as well understood as CHD. Standard test results for women may show that they are at low risk for heart disease, even if they have coronary MVD. Research is ongoing to learn more about coronary MVD and its causes.

The risk for heart disease can begin in childhood. An unhealthy diet and sedentary behaviors early in life can lead to heart disease in adulthood, even in children with no family history of heart disease.

CDC estimates that more than one-third of U.S. children and adolescents are overweight. Children and adolescents who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults. This means they are at higher risk for adult health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.

Higher sodium intake is associated with higher blood pressure in children and adolescents. High blood pressure is associated with early development of cardiovascular disease and risk for premature death. A recent study found that the impact of high sodium consumption—and corresponding risk for high blood pressure—is even greater among young people who are overweight or obese.

Prof. John Kurakar