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Common Medical Conditions in Women

Several medical conditions affect women today. These health concerns cover a wide spectrum and commonly include emotional issues, cancers and various diseases. As a woman, regular health screenings can help prevent and treat many common medical conditions.

  1. Heart Disease

    • Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, responsible for about one in four deaths annually, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). A common type of heart disease in women is coronary heart disease; a hardening of the arteries. Coronary heart disease can lead to chest pains, heart attacks and heart failure. Common risk factors for women that can lead to heart disease include: family history, smoking, obesity and high cholesterol and blood pressure. Women can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise and getting regular heart screenings, especially if they have a family history of heart disease.

    Breast Cancer

    • According to the CDC, breast cancer is now the most common form of cancer in women. In 2008, an estimated 182,460 women were diagnosed with this cancer. Breast cancer begins with abnormal breast cells. These cells multiply and form a harmful tumor in the breast. One of the most significant risk factors for development of breast cancer is aging, although genetics, obesity and alcoholism also may play a role. Death rates for breast cancer have decreased since 1990, thought to be the result of medical advancements, early detection and widespread awareness.

    Osteoporosis

    • Osteoporosis is a disease where bones become increasingly weak and prone to fracture (break). According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, more than 80 percent of people diagnosed are women, and about 44 million Americans are affected by the disease. A significant risk factor for osteoporosis is age, as our bodies build bone mass only until the age of 30. After that, women must maintain bone health by getting enough calcium and vitamin D, exercising and having bone density screenings.

    Depression

    • Depression is an illness that affects both mind and body. Depression can be characterized by feeling worthless, fatigued or by changes in behavior. Depression affects twice as many women as men, and according to psychologyinfo.com, this ratio has actually been reported in eleven other countries. Some risk factors for women include hormonal or genetic characteristics, traumatic experiences or high levels of stress. However, depression is a highly treatable--and curable--disease.

    Considerations

    • These are just a few common medical conditions that affect women today. Women should educate themselves on their family health history and health issues in general, visit the doctor regularly and pay attention to the way their bodies feel.

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