The number of women dying from heart disease is set to rise over the coming years, according to a re...
The number of women dying from heart disease is set to rise over the coming years, according to a recent study.
Researchers analysed deaths in England and Wales between 1931 and 2005 and found the fall in death rates among women under the age of 50 seemed to be slowing.
The results of the research published in the journal BMC Public Health revealed coronary heart disease rates continued to drop in older age groups but the burden of the disease is increasing due to an ageing population.
The study showed an increase in male coronary heart disease mortality in older age groups which had previously only occurred in women.
Researchers saw that coronary heart disease mortality among younger age groups had increased in those born in the early 20th Century compared with those born in the late 19th Century.
The report revealed the rate of improvement in coronary heart disease mortality appears to be beginning to decline and may be reversing among younger women.
In addition, it discussed recent trends regarding cardiovascular risk factor prevalence in younger people.
Obesity levels in people aged 45 and under have risen in the last 10 years and there has been an increase in type 2 diabetes.
Physical activity levels in younger people decreased slightly over the last 15 years and smoking levels within this age group have remained high with 25% of men and 20% of women under 45 smoking.
Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "It's a common misconception that heart disease is a male problem, yet cardiovascular disease is the biggest cause of premature death in women." He added heart disease was a very real issue for all women and younger generations should take action now to reduce their risk.
