Many of us associate heart disease with males. When portrayed in the media, it seems like it's always the fathers, sons, uncles, husbands or grandfathers who have heart attacks or other forms of heart disease. However, according to the CDC, heart disease will affect an average of 1 in 16 women 20 years and older across America every year. Therefore, knowing about the risk factors and early detection is just as important for women as it is for men. 

Risk factors of heart disease in women

There are various factors that can lead to heart disease in women. Knowing what they are can help you get ahead of any pre-existing conditions and risks to help you and your doctor get ahead of heart disease. The Mayo Clinic lists a series of risk factors including: 

• Diabetes
• Mental stress 
• Depression
• Smoking
• Inactivity
• Menopause
• Pregnancy complications
• Family history of early heart disease
• Inflammatory disease

How can menopause increase my chances of heart disease?

During menopause, women start producing less and less estrogen. "Low levels of estrogen after menopause pose a significant risk of developing disease in smaller blood vessels," says the Mayo Clinic. A John Hopkins article states that women are also affected by hormonal changes because they can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, both causing factors of heart disease. 

Using thermography for early detection of heart disease in women

Since early detection is so important in stopping heart disease, it's important to know the options available. Thermography is a reliable way for medical professionals to find early signs of heart disease throughout the cardiovascular system. Thermography works by taking temperature images throughout the body. Any anomalies will show up as either hot or cold depending on what type of metabolic activity is associated with it. When physicians are able to locate any anomalies within your body, they can begin to work to understand what is causing them to appear.

Physicians using this method are able to detect early signs of heart disease and begin working with you on a plan to stop or slow the progression of disease throughout your cardiovascular system. With a plan in place, you and your physician can also work to help prevent any attacks later on in life.

Contact us us today to discuss your options and set up a thermography appointment.