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Deaths On The Rise In Younger Women

By Daniel H. Rasolt

Posted: Sunday, May 04, 2008

(Defeat Diabetes® News) -- Deaths resulting from coronary heart disease (CHD) are on the rise in younger women, a new study suggests. Rising levels of obesity, smoking and lack of exercise are the likely causes of this troubling trend.

CHD occurs when "arteries supplying blood to the heart narrow, and includes disorders such as heart attacks and angina." According to the study, it is the most common cause of death in America, as well as Canada, Australia and the UK.

The rising CHD mortality rates in younger women (defined as below 50 years of age in the study) is counter to the trends seen in older women, and men of all ages. The lowering mortality rates in these groups has been seen since the 1970s, and due primarily to surgical and technological advances that deal with CHD. "Recent generations have experienced much lower CHD mortality rates than those born in the late 19th or early 20th centuries," according to the study.

Excessive smoking and a much higher levels of obesity (resulting from poor diets and lack of exercise) have been seen in younger women in recent years. These poor lifestyle choices often start early in life, leading to an early development of CHD in mid-life, or perhaps even younger. To avoid this high risk of developing CHD, women must begin to make healthy choices early in life.

Source: Defeat Diabetes Foundation: Webber, Charlotte. BioMed Central news release. May 2008

Daniel H. Rasolt writes for Defeat Diabetes® News. Read more of his original content articles.

Copyright © 2008 Defeat Diabetes Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.