Contrary to common belief, heart disease is the most common of death amongst the women. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the most common health risks amongst the women. However, the good news is that all these are preventable if you follow a healthy lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet and including physical activities in your daily life is a sure way to reduce health risks. Here are some of the most common diseases affecting the women.
Heart disease
Heart disease has become the most common cause of death amongst the women. Around 8.6 million women die from heart disease every year. The symptoms of heart disease amongst women are slightly different from the symptoms seen amongst men. Women with angina may feel hot or burning sensation in the back, shoulders arms or jaw. You should see the doctor immediately if you feel pain, pressure or squeezing in the chest, jaws, shoulders, back, or arms lasting for more than 5 minutes. You should also consult the doctor if you suffer from shortness of breath for more than 5 minutes.
Cancer
Cancer is the reason behind 22 percent of deaths in women. The main causes of cancer death are lung, breast, and colorectal cancer. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for cancer. Getting regular Pap smear done can help in detecting cervical cancer in time.
Stroke
Around 3 million women die from stroke annually. Stroke kills more women than men. As a woman reaches 45 years of age her risk for stroke rises steadily. As the woman reaches menopause, estrogen no longer protects her increasing the risk of stroke. Apart from ethnicity and family history, other factors that increase the risk of stroke are smoking, weight gain, drinking alcohol, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Exercise reduces the risk of stroke.
Respiratory diseases
Several respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructed pulmonary disease, and emphysema cause many deaths amongst the women. About 80 percent of this disease arises due to smoking, so quitting smoking is essential to reduce the risk of this disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes is another killer disease, if not taken care of. Amongst women pregnancy can give rise to gestational diabetes. Women who develop gestational diabetes run the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.