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Top 5 killer women's diseases
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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The difference in life expectancy between women and men lies in gender differences, psychological and physical characteristics.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women. However, women seek help from specialists more often than men, and the hormone estrogen protects them from cardiovascular disease, at least until menopause.
There are diseases that are the most common cause of death among older women.
Heart disease
The most common cause of cardiovascular disease, particularly myocardial infarction, is narrowing or blockage of the arteries that carry blood to the heart. After menopause, this risk increases.
How to reduce the risk:
- More physical activity: Exercise increases your heart rate.
- Normal weight.
- Healthy eating: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high fiber foods. You can use the Mediterranean diet.
- Avoid stressful situations.
- Quit smoking.
Cancer
The most common forms of cancer in women are breast cancer and lung cancer, which are also the most deadly. Research suggests that some women have a genetic predisposition to these diseases, but most do not.
How to reduce the risk:
- Smoking increases the risks, so it is better to get rid of this addiction.
- Research by scientists suggests that a diet that includes vegetables, fruits and nuts serves as a protection against cancer.
- Less alcohol: Alcohol consumption has been found to increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Be physically active.
- Self-examination: In addition to regular check-ups with your doctor and mammograms, self-examinations can help you detect cancer as early as possible.
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Stroke
A factor that contributes to the occurrence of stroke is high blood pressure. The risk is doubled if close relatives have coronary heart disease.
How to reduce the risk:
- Measure your blood pressure more often and consult a specialist about ways to lower it.
- Eat less salt, it contributes to increased blood pressure.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- To avoid stroke, try to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, reducing the amount of saturated fat in your diet.
Chronic lower respiratory diseases
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are often referred to together as COPD. The factors that lead to these diseases are air pollution, but the main cause remains smoking. If the diseases are left to run their course and not treated, it can lead to disability.
How to reduce the risk:
- Stop smoking. If you have COPD and smoke, quitting will slow the progression of the disease.
- Avoid exposure to polluted air and tobacco smoke from smokers.
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Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible and progressive disease. It gradually destroys memory and brain function. Scientists believe that this form of dementia is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause remains a mystery.
How to reduce the risk:
- Physical and mental activity.
- A full rest. It is necessary so that toxic proteins do not accumulate in the brain cells. If a person regularly sleeps less than 5 hours a day, their level increases by 25%.
- Nutrition: Eliminate foods high in cholesterol and saturated fatty acids from your diet, and limit your consumption of sweets and salt.