Ladies in the limelight of stress more frequently than their male counterparts
In line with the national trend, women in Hanover often confide in feeling more stressed than men. The renowned KKH has revealed that one out of every eight female patients diagnosed with high blood pressure last year, were attributed to stress. Meanwhile, this statistic holds as every thirteen male patients nationwide. Despite the higher number of cases linked to stress among men, the increase in high blood pressure related to stress over the previous decade was comparatively greater among men.
Both genders share the burden of stressors such as their own education or employment, yet women are more likely to cite high demands upon themselves and contemporary political and social issues like climate change, wars, and inflation as primary sources of stress. The KKH has consistently found that chronic stress and significant psychological strain elevate the risk of heart diseases for both sexes.
A closer look at the factors contributing to women's higher levels of stress reveals some intriguing insights.
The Radar of Stressors
- Societal Pressures and Expectations: Women under societal pressure to conform to beauty standards, responsibility, and empathy face a higher risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
- Trauma and Violence: Women are more susceptible to experiencing trauma, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and conflict-related violence. This can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with severe consequences for physical and mental health.
- Mental Health Issues: Women are more likely to grapple with depression and anxiety, both of which can contribute to unhealthy habits like smoking, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles, as well as trigger physical changes such as increased blood pressure and inflammation – elements that can exacerbate heart disease.
Gender-Specific Heart Disease Risk Factors
- Women often face unique risks for heart disease, such as preeclampsia, pregnancy-associated hypertension, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which can increase the chances of heart attack and heart failure.
Perceived Stress
- Women consistently report higher levels of perceived stress than men, with prevalence ranging from 22 to 30%. Factors like low income, smoking, and living with a partner may contribute to this heightened sense of stress. Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health by promoting harmful habits and physical changes associated with cardiovascular disease.
The KKH warning clarifies that chronic stress and intense psychological strain escalate the odds of acquiring high blood pressure and other heart diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, in both genders. A survey conducted in May 2023 queried 1,004 individuals across Germany aged between 18 and 70.
Article Sources:
Be advised that this provided information is not exhaustive, and you may encounter additional findings as research progresses.
[1] American Psychological Association (2018).
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[4] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2018). .
[5] [American Psychological Association (2011). ].
