Every hour, five people in South Africa have a heart attack and 10 people have a stroke, and 10 people will die from these events. This makes cardiovascular disease (CVD) our biggest killer after HIV/ Aids - ahead of all cancers combined. Disconcertingly, while it was once associated with the elderly, more than half of those dying are younger than 65, and deaths in the 35-65 age group are set to rise by 41% by 2030, says Prof Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA). 'The co-existence of risk factors and Covid-19 infection has worsened the fatality rate of heart disease and strokes, increasing the disease burden.'
Researchers were shocked by their findings when a recent study revealed that, while the heart attack rate has decreased among older adults, it's risen among those aged between 35 and 54 – especially among young women. The authors of 'The ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study', published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in June 2021, concluded that the reasons for the rise in heart attack hospitalisations among young women are 'likely multifactorial but may be related to modifiable risk factors'. Along with authorities such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, they have suggested a few likely culprits.
What emerges is that there are many heart disease risk factors operating in unique ways in women.
As Bonnie Tyler sings, We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks.
MENOPAUSE
Esta historia es de la edición May/June 2022 de Fairlady.
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Esta historia es de la edición May/June 2022 de Fairlady.
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'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
