Migraine combined with these symptoms increases the risk of heart disease. These people need to be vigilant
Some people need to be very vigilant about their heart health. The latest research shows that the accumulation of several symptoms may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. What are the symptoms?
Heart diseases are one of the main causes of death in our country. About 15,000 people die from heart attacks in Poland every year, and heart failure is described by cardiologists as a “new, non-infectious epidemic.” Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases include, among others, overweight and obesity, hypertension, but also smoking, lack of regular physical exercise and alcohol abuse.
These symptoms increase your risk of heart disease
The latest research shows that women who suffer from migraine and struggle with typical menopausal symptoms are at greater risk of heart disease. The study results were published in the journal “Menopause”. For 30 years, researchers followed almost 2,000 women who suffered from migraine as well as menopausal symptoms: hot flashes and night sweats. It turns out that they are at greater risk of heart disease. It was as much as 1.5 times higher. In turn, they were 1.7 times more likely to have a stroke than women who did not experience the above symptoms.
“For the subgroup who experience both migraines and early persistent hot flashes and night sweats, as well as for those who currently experience migraines in early adulthood, these findings indicate an additional need to manage risk and respond to symptoms early.” explained study leader Catherine Kim, MD, MPH, of the University of Michigan.
However, researchers reassure us that for most women, the main focus should be on prevention and eliminating risk factors for heart disease.
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases mainly focuses on maintaining a healthy body weight and leading a healthy lifestyle. It is also important not to smoke and limit alcohol consumption. It's also important to eat healthy fats (eliminating trans fats, which increase the risk of stroke and heart disease). You also need to make sure you get enough sleep and try to avoid stress.
It is also extremely important to perform regular preventive examinations. Interested people can take part in the “prevention 40 plus” program, which is implemented under the National Health Fund. It is also worth taking advantage of the cardiovascular disease prevention program, which is addressed to people aged 35 to 65. Benefits under the program are provided without a referral. Just contact your primary care doctor. This way, you can easily take care of your health, and the benefits can be huge.
