Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women worldwide

More than 30% of women's deaths in Brazil are linked to cardiovascular diseases, reinforcing the urgency of prevention and early diagnosis

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the biggest threat to women's health. In Brazil, more than 30% of women's deaths are related to heart problems, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Globally, there are 8.6 million deaths a year among women.

Risks often ignored

Despite the seriousness of the figures, women's cardiovascular risk is still under-recognized, both in medical consultations and in daily care.

"There is a false impression that heart disease affects men more. Women also die from heart disease because they are often diagnosed late or the symptoms are not appreciated," says cardiologist Egle Costa Oppi, executive medical manager at Biolab.

In addition to traditional risk factors, such as hypertension and high cholesterolIn addition, women have specific conditions that need more attention, such as diabetes during pregnancy, premature births and recurrent miscarriages. The use of certain contraceptives can also raise blood pressure.

Recent guidelines reinforce attention to women

The new 2024 European guidelines have brought specific guidelines for women, including stricter limits for blood pressure and care with the use of combined hormonal contraceptives.

"In these cases, the recommendation is to opt for contraceptive methods that only contain progesterone," she explains.

During pregnancy, monitoring must be stepped up. Treatment with medication is indicated when the pressure reaches 14 by 9 or more. Severe situations, with pressure equal to or above 17 by 11, require immediate medical attention.

The risk also increases after childbirth. "Between 20% and 30% of women who had hypertension during pregnancy have the condition again in future pregnancies," says the cardiologist.

Prevention starts with healthy habits

Lifestyle changes are fundamental tools for reducing risk. Among the recommendations are:

• Maintain a BMI between 20 and 25;
• Keep your waist below 80 cm;
• Limit alcohol consumption;
• Increase your intake of potassium (bananas, spinach, avocados), while reducing common salt.

"Prevention starts with information. It's essential to check your blood pressure regularly, monitor your cholesterol and glucose levels, practice physical activity and adopt healthier habits. Many heart diseases can be avoided with small changes," says Egle Costa Oppi.

Check out the full article: https://jc.uol.com.br/colunas/saude-e-bem-estar/2025/08/20/doencas-cardiovasculares-sao-a-principal-causa-de-morte-entre-mulheres-no-mundo.html