BHF: Obesity and smoking raise risk
Thursday, 01 May 2008 12:25
Rising obesity levels and smoking among women in the UK could be responsible for a slow-down in the decline of deaths from heart disease in young women, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) says.
A study from the foundation's research group found that while rates of deaths from coronary heart disease (CHD) continue to fall in some groups, for women aged under 50 there is a possible reversal of previous improvement in CHD mortality rates.
BHF medical director Professor Peter Weissberg described the study's finding as "worrying".
"This could be due to rising obesity levels and the high rates of smoking among young women, both of which are key factors in premature heart disease," he added.
"It's a common misconception that heart disease is a male problem, yet cardiovascular disease is the biggest cause of premature death in women."
Professor Weissberg continued: "Heart disease should be a very real issue for all women, and younger generations must take action now to cut down their risk."
