Heart attacks seem to exact a bigger health toll on middle-aged women than on their male peers new research indicates. Roughly 3500 American and Spanish patients below the age of 56 who had had a heart attack between 2007 and 2012 were studied.

Medical records and interviews revealed that at the time of their attack the women were much more likely than the men to be obese or have diabetes. In addition, women were at least twice as likely to have a history of stroke, heart failure, lung disease, or depression.

Women also fared less well one-year post-attack. By that point, 46% of the women displayed poor physical and mental function compared with just 30% of the men. Similarly, one year out poor quality of life was seen among 42% of the women compared with just 28% of the men.

The researchers say these findings could point the way toward better interventions that are geared specifically to the needs of middle-aged women recovering from a heart attack.
I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with the news that can help you stay healthy, happy, and fit.

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