These Hidden Risk Factors Can Make Women More Likely to Develop Heart Disease

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2 years ago

April 14, 2023

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Share on Pinterest Fly View Productions/Getty ImagesAround 60 million women in the US have cardiovascular disease (CVD).Women from racial and ethnic minority groups are at greater risk of CVD death.A new American Heart Association (AHA) statement emphasizes that doctors must also consider social determinants of health when screening for CVD.These include factors such as discrimination, environment, and language barriers.

An estimated 60 million women in the US (equal to 44% of the population) live with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Additionally, 1 in 5 deaths among women stems from CVD with those from racial and ethnic minorities at greater risk.

Traditional contributing factors, such as obesity, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol, are frequently considered by doctors when assessing a patients CVD risk.

However, a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), published in its journal Circulation, highlighted that medical professionals must look beyond these when monitoring and treating CVD in women, especially those from underrepresented groups.

In comparison to other women, Black women in the US (including African American and Afro Caribbean) have the highest rate of heart disease, stated Dr. Heather M. Johnson,a preventive cardiologist at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health South Florida, who was not involved with the report.

The AHA researchers stated that nontraditionalsocio-economic factors such as discrimination and environment must be considered if the gap in CVD treatment and survival between whites and racial and ethnic groups is to be reduced.

Many of these are often overlooked but can significantly affect health risks, care, and outcomes.

Understanding both traditional and nontraditional risk factors are important to prevent heart disease, but also to support the early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women, Johnson told Healthline. How bias, discrimination, and racism can affect your health

In the statement, the researchers said: Behavioral and environmental factors and social determinants of health disproportionately affect women of underrepresented races and ethnicities.

These factors result in a higher prevalence of CVD and significant challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions, they added.

Five social determinants of health were emphasized in the AHAs statement. But what are they and how do they influence CVD?Discrimination

The AHA noted that discriminatory barriers faced by ethnic communities lead to high levels of stress. This, in turn, contributes to CVD issues such as inflammation and hypertension.

Research also highlights that minority groups can encounter racial bias and stereotyping from white healthcare providers which may lead to patients having their concerns dismissed or receiving poorer care.

Studies show this is often due to the activation of stereotypes that influence clinical judgment, said Heather Orom, PhD, associate professor of community health and health behavior at the University at Buffalo.

Furthermore, when actions are perceived as racially motivated or discriminatory, this can put a wedge between provider and patient and create an environment of mistrust, said Dr. Deborah L. Crabbe, a professor of medicine at the Temple Heart and Vascular Institute at Lewis Katz School of Medicine.

As a result, she told Healthline, patients may not follow through with care recommendations and may even seek other providers, perhaps delaying care for their medical condition.Language barriers

Understanding medical terms and phrasing can be tricky enough for patients at the best of times. However, things are complicated further when the doctor and patient dont share the same first language.

Language barriers can reduce patients satisfaction with their care, care quality, and safety, explained Orom.

Furthermore, she told Healthline, such barriers can hinder the doctor-patient relationship, prevent patients from advocating for themselves, and inhibit the doctor from understanding the full complexity of a patients condition and their life circumstances. Environment

The AHA statement revealed that environmental factors, such as air pollution, high long-term arsenic exposure, and cadmium and lead exposure, have been linked to CVD.

Studies show minority groups are more likely to live in areas with more air pollution and closer proximity to toxic waste and other hazards.

For decades, polluting industries, waste facilities, and other sources of exposure, such as highways systems, have been more likely to be placed in neighborhoods of color, Orom revealed. This stems from the fact these communities have had less political and economic clout. Assimilation to a different culture

The AHA statement didnt expressly state how acculturation or assimilation to a different culture can impact CVD.

However, this is an important factor for CVD that often is missed, stated Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, a cardiologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center.

For instance, he shared with Healthline that older studies of Japanese individuals showed those who traveled to Hawaii and then to the continental U.S. had higher CVD rates than their peers who stayed in Japan.Healthcare access

It was noted in the AHA statement that there is evidence that SDOH factors experienced in youth, such as inability to access healthcare or inability to afford care, may affect heart health into adulthood and contribute to CVD risk factors and outcomes in adulthood.

Research shows that Black, Hispanic, Asian-American, and Native individuals are less likely to have health insurance.

But healthcare access isnt only about insurance, said Crabbe. For example, [it also] includes geographic access to a particular health care service.

Orom concurred, stating there is a typically lack of high-quality healthcare facilities in neighborhoods where people of color have historically lived.

Other social burdens can limit access, too. For example, United States Census Bureau data shows that ethnic minority groups are generally poorer compared to white populations. Poverty can prevent individuals from purchasing necessary medications, for example.

Finally, Michele Horan, a registered nurse and COO of Healthy Alliance, shared that other daily stressors such as care responsibilities and the potential of eviction can reduce the capacity of underserved communities to access healthcare.

In most cases, these urgent situations are prioritized over ones health and well-being, Horan told Healthline. Addressing life challenges, in my experience, will almost always surpass healthcare, accessible or not. What to discuss with your doctor

If you think youre at higher risk of CVD, its crucial to ensure your doctor is aware of your concerns and potential risk profile.

Ni said discussing with your doctor means they can be more aggressive with screening.

For example, doctors might choose to test for disease states with no symptoms earlier than usual if the fear is that someone has a higher risk due to the environment they live in, he explained.

Tests and screenings generally vary depending on the patient and their history.

Its recommended that everyone understands their individual risk for heart disease and has a preventive heart health evaluation, Johnson said.

This assessment, she explained, includes a detailed discussion of their traditional and nontraditional risk factors for heart disease.

According to Johnson, further preventative screening tests are also possible and include:Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)Coronary artery calcium scan (also known as a calcium score)Special cholesterol tests What can healthcare professionals do to help?

According to the AHA researchers, culturally sensitive, peer-led community and healthcare professional education is a necessary step in CVD prevention.

Language barriers can be overcome by providing translators or simply using language apps, such as Google Translate. Studies show that using such app in healthcare settings can significantly improve both doctor and patient satisfaction.

Horan said healthcare providers need to screen patients from minority groups in a culturally competent and sensitive way.

Identifying barriers and the root cause behind them with a proactive lens is often the only way to effectively coordinate care in a manner that addresses their patients full spectrum of needs, she asserted.

Education is vital for both medical professionals and patients, said Crabbe.

Healthcare organizations can provide training and education to staff regarding the challenges that minorities and women face in receiving healthcare, she noted.

Meanwhile, Crabbe continued, opportunities to provide education to improve the health literacy of minorities and women could help improve patient acceptance of healthcare recommendations, and thus compliance.

World

Joe Biden allows Kyiv to begin firing US rockets deep into Russia – as politician warns it ‘risks World War Three’

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1 hour ago

November 18, 2024

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Joe Biden allows Kyiv to begin firing US rockets deep into Russia - as politician warns it 'risks World War Three'

Joe Biden has authorised Ukraine to begin firing US-supplied rockets deep into Russia – as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to push for “further support” for Kyiv at the G20 summit.

Mr Biden’s policy shift means Kyiv will now be able to use Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for long-range attacks, two American officials have told Sky News’ US partner network NBC News.

Ukraine plans to conduct its first such attacks in the coming days, the sources said, without revealing details due to operational security concerns.

The US has eased restrictions on the use of ATACMS, which have a range of up to 190 miles, after Russia began deploying North Korean ground troops to supplement its own forces in the conflict.

The development was condemned by Biden officials as a possible expansion of the war.

Follow latest: Ukraine war live updates

A Russian politician and the son of president-elect Donald Trump have both likened the move to risking a third world war.

Maria Butina told the Reuters news agency: “These guys, Biden’s administration, is trying to escalate the situation to the maximum while they still have power and are still in office.

“I have a great hope that Trump will overcome this decision if this has been made because they are seriously risking the start of World War Three which is not in anybody’s interest.”

Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr wrote on X: “The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives… Imbeciles!”

The outgoing Biden administration’s move comes as there are concerns about the level of support the Trump White House may be willing to give Ukraine.

Mr Trump has previously vowed to limit US support for Ukraine and end its war with Russia.

In an evening address after Kyiv was given permission to fire deep into Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “Today, there’s a lot of talk in the media about us receiving permission for respective actions. But strikes are not carried out with words. Such things are not announced. Missiles will speak for themselves. They certainly will.”

Back in September, Russian President Vladimir Putin said if the US were to lift the ban on long-range missile use it would be seen as NATO’s “direct participation” in the war.

He added: “This, of course, will significantly change the very essence, the very nature of the conflict.”

Meanwhile, the UK prime minister has said he has “no plans” to speak with the Russian president as world leaders gather for the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Mr Putin will not be attending the two-day summit which starts on Monday after saying in October that his presence would “disrupt the normal work of this forum”. Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov will be attending instead.

It will take place days after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke to Mr Putin on what was the Russian leader’s first publicly announced conversation with the sitting head of a major Western power in nearly two years.

Asked if he had any plans to make a similar call, Sir Keir said: “It’s a matter for Chancellor Scholz who he speaks to. I have no plans to speak to Putin.”

Speaking to reporters while on his way to the summit, he added: “We are coming up to the 1,000th day of this conflict on Tuesday.

“That’s 1,000 days of Russian aggression, 1,000 days of huge impact and sacrifice in relation to the Ukrainian people and recently we’ve seen the addition of North Korean troops working with Russians which does have serious implications.

“I think on one hand it shows the desperation of Russia, but it’s got serious implications for European security […] and for Indo-Pacific security and that’s why I think we need to double down on shoring up our support for Ukraine and that’s top of my agenda for the G20.

“There’s got to be full support as long as it takes and that certainly is top of my agenda, shoring up that further support for Ukraine.”

The latest developments come after Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine on Sunday, with Mr Zelenskyy claiming Moscow had launched a total of 120 missiles and 90 drones.

Two major strikes, which left a total of 18 people dead, hit a residential building in the northeastern city of Sumy as well as energy infrastructure across Ukraine, prompting emergency power cuts.

Hours later, Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russia’s air defence units had destroyed a drone heading towards the city.

Science

Octopuses May Become Earth’s Next Dominant Species If Humans Go Extinct

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2 hours ago

November 18, 2024

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Octopuses May Become Earth's Next Dominant Species If Humans Go Extinct

In the event of human extinction due to war or climate change, octopuses have been identified as potential rulers of Earth, according to leading scientists. Their intelligence, dexterity, and adaptability are believed to position them as candidates for developing an advanced civilisation. Professor Tim Coulson, a zoologist at the University of Oxford, suggests that octopuses could evolve tools and technologies to build underwater cities akin to human societies should the right environmental conditions emerge.

Key Traits Supporting Octopus Dominance

As per a report by DailyMail UK, there are several attributes of octopuses that make them unique. Their problem-solving capabilities, decentralised nervous system, and ability to manipulate objects enable them to adapt to challenging environments. The report further highlights that while they are unlikely to fully transition to land due to their lack of a skeleton, it is believed they could find innovative ways to extend their time out of water, such as developing breathing apparatuses.

These marine creatures, already adept at using tools and hunting, could exploit niches left vacant in a post-human world, the report adds. Octopuses are known to thrive in diverse environments, from deep seas to coastal waters, and possess the capacity for both solitary survival and complex behaviours.

Primates Unlikely to Succeed Humans

Contrary to previous theories suggesting primates might replace humans, the report reveal that researchers argue that primates face many of the same extinction threats as humans. Slow reproductive rates, vulnerability to predators, and dependence on specific ecosystems reduce their chances of survival in a changed world. The report further mentions that while intelligent birds and insects demonstrate advanced behaviour, they lack the dexterity needed to create tools or transform their surroundings on a human scale.

Speculative but Plausible Future

Professor Coulson told the publication that the rise of octopuses as dominant species is speculative. Evolution is unpredictable, shaped by countless variables, random mutations, and extinction events. However, given the intelligence and adaptability of octopuses, they remain a strong contender for evolving into an advanced civilisation in the absence of human influence, he told the publication.

Science

AI Technology Detects Cancerous Brain Tumours in 10 Seconds During Surgery

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3 hours ago

November 18, 2024

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AI Technology Detects Cancerous Brain Tumours in 10 Seconds During Surgery

A groundbreaking artificial intelligence tool called FastGlioma has been developed, enabling surgeons to detect residual cancerous brain tumours within 10 seconds during surgery. The innovation, detailed in a recent study in Nature, is seen as a significant advancement in neurosurgery, outperforming traditional tumour detection methods. Researchers from the University of Michigan and the University of California, San Francisco, led the study, highlighting its potential to improve surgical outcomes for patients with diffuse gliomas.

Todd Hollon, M.D., a neurosurgeon at the University of Michigan Health, described FastGlioma as a transformative diagnostic tool that provides a faster and more accurate method for identifying tumour remnants. He noted its ability to reduce reliance on current methods, such as intraoperative MRI or fluorescent imaging agents, which are often inaccessible or unsuitable for all tumour types.

Addressing Residual Tumours During Surgery

As per the study from Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan, residual tumours, which often resemble healthy brain tissue, are a common challenge in neurosurgery. Surgeons have traditionally struggled to differentiate between healthy brain and remaining cancerous tissue, leading to incomplete tumour removal. FastGlioma addresses this by combining high-resolution optical imaging with artificial intelligence to identify tumour infiltration rapidly and accurately.

In an international study, the model was tested on specimens from 220 patients with low- or high-grade diffuse gliomas. FastGlioma achieved an average accuracy of 92%, significantly outperforming conventional methods, which had a higher miss rate for high-risk tumour remnants. Co-senior author Shawn Hervey-Jumper, M.D., professor of neurosurgery at UCSF, emphasised its ability to enhance surgical precision while minimising the dependence on imaging agents or time-consuming procedures.

Future Applications in Cancer Surgery

FastGlioma is based on foundation models, a type of AI trained on vast datasets, allowing adaptation across various tasks. The model has shown potential for application in other cancers, including lung, prostate, and breast tumours, without requiring extensive retraining.

Aditya S. Pandey, M.D., chair of neurosurgery at the University of Michigan, affirmed its role in improving surgical outcomes globally, aligning with recommendations to integrate AI into cancer surgery. Researchers aim to expand its use to additional tumour types, potentially reshaping cancer treatment approaches worldwide.