A heart attack can affect men and women differently suggests a new study. The causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes can all differ between men and women. The study conducted by the researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) Germany also found that within one year of having a heart attack, the women in the sample were 1.5 times more likely to die than men with similar case histories.
For the study published in the journal PLOS ONE examine the data collected from two studies with a total of 4,100 participants and found that the heart attack could infact prove to be more deadlier for women than their male counterparts with similar case histories. This makes it imperative to doctors and care providers to look after the female heart attack patients, especially in the first 365 days after the event said the researchers. Family doctors need to know the social situation of these women and try to provide support all the support the seek for, particularly if there are signs of depression , the researchers added. If there is any such indication, they should be taken to a specialist immediately, so that the therapy may start soon.
Men may account for around two-thirds of patients hospitalized after suffering a heart attack, which have led the previous studies to conclude that heart attack affects men more. However, women suffer from "different" heart attacks, potentially leading them to have a higher rate of death and other consequences. The differences includes the factors that triggers a heart attack. The researchers found that heart attacks in women less likely to be caused by a local narrowing of blood vessels that can be widened relatively easily. Instead they suffer more often from diffuse coronary artery disease, which is harder to treat surgically. Women are also on average ten years older to men when the encounter the event making it tougher to treat, and also more likely to have accompanying conditions such as diabetes. Women are also less likely to fell the typical signs and symptoms associated with a heart attack such as neck or jaw pain, making it difficult to identify the attack in the first place. Depression could also be another important factor, with previous research suggesting that the condition can be a risk factor in combination with other illnesses.
While it is important to provide all the possible medical care and attention required by the heart patient especially after a stroke a right diet that is responsible for keeping your heart going strong. Here are some heart friendly foods that you must include in your diet-
1. Oats
Oats have been known to contain a type of fibre that helps in binding bile acids and expel them from the body. These bile acids are made from cholesterol. So include more and more oats in your daily diet and find creative ways to add more fun to the usual ones.
2. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are rich in healthy fats, which is known Omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and phytoestrogens and all of these help in boosting heart health. It is best to soak flaxseeds or grind them before consuming for better results.
3. Legumes
Legumes are rich sources of antioxidants, fibre and proteins. They are also a great source to get your folate requirement from and also help in increasing platelet activity.
4. Nuts
A handful of nuts daily will help keep your heart strong as they have high amounts of unsaturated fats that are good for your heart as they help in reducing inflammation of the arteries.