Women are much less likely than men to change risky behaviours such as smoking. They are also more prone to hypertension and diabetes.

Hypertension is two to three times more common in women than in men, and it becomes much more common as you get older.

Smoking

Smoking is even more harmful in women than in men. For example, it creates more risk of clotting-related diseases, such as stroke and heart attack, in young women compared with men. The risk is increased if smoking women are also using a birth control pill. 

Hypertension: the silent killer

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the most important risk factor for both stroke and heart failure.

In 2001, more than half of Australian women aged over 55 had hypertension: a disturbing fact, because many are unaware they have the condition. It is called ‘the silent killer' because it does not cause symptoms.

Once diagnosed, hypertension can usually be well controlled with appropriate medication. If it is controlled, the risk of developing heart failure or stroke is greatly reduced.

Diabetes

The risk of developing diabetes is increased greatly by physical inactivity and obesity. In 2001 about 20% of Australian women were classified as obese, and many more as overweight.  

Many Australian women with diabetes remain undiagnosed. Most have no symptoms, because diabetes is usually present for many years before symptoms develop.

Diabetes increases the risk of heart attack by 3-7 times in women, compared with 2-3 times in men.

Diabetics have more widespread atherosclerosis than others, and are often less suitable for stenting or surgery.

Regular exercise and weight control, beginning at an early age, can usually prevent diabetes.

Early recognition of diabetes (involving a blood glucose test) allows appropriate medical intervention. This can greatly reduce the risks linked to the disease.