Women with Multiple Sclerosis experience high rates of cardiovascular disease

Sunday, February 24, 2013 by: Katie BrindAmour
Tags: Multiple Sclerosis, women, cardiovascular disease

(NaturalNews) -- As if Multiple Sclerosis (MS) weren't bad enough, the condition and its complications seem to affect women disproportionately. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from MS, and recent research indicates that women with MS are also more likely to experience cardiovascular disease than men with the same condition. On the whole, individuals with MS are more likely than the general population to experience heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. The difference in risk is particularly striking for women, prompting scientists to recommend more thorough preventive measures and early cardiovascular risk testing for women with MS.

Women and Multiple Sclerosis symptoms

MS is notoriously difficult to diagnose. Its cause is not well understood, and there is currently no cure. Treatments focus on symptoms, which can vary considerably in type and severity from person to person. At times, MS may go into remission or be suddenly exacerbated. Many individuals with MS turn to natural remedies in addition to pharmaceuticals to treat their symptoms and prevent attacks.

According to Healthline, women with MS commonly experience muscle problems (such as spasms or numbness), vision deterioration, bladder infections and bowel troubles, pain and tingling in the limbs, difficulty with speech or swallowing, dizziness, depression, and loss in libido. Many women with MS may go undiagnosed for years; part of the MS diagnosis process involves ruling out every other condition known to cause nerve damage.

Some researchers hypothesize that the inflammation characteristic of MS may contribute to higher risks for other inflammatory conditions. Whether elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in women with MS is attributable to the inflammatory nature of the condition or to other related complications, such as depression, is still unclear.

Thankfully, one of the best natural treatments for reducing MS symptoms is also a key step for preventing cardiovascular disease: exercise. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, exercise can help slow disease progression, minimize MS symptoms, and reduce the likelihood of associated comorbidities. Good news for ladies (and men) with MS hoping to live well and fend off cardiovascular trouble.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23364857
http://www.healthline.com
http://www.nationalmssociety.org

About the author:
Katie BrindAmour is a Certified Health Education Specialist and passionate health and wellness freelance writer. She enjoys cooking, yoga, gardening, searching for the perfect wine and chocolate combination, and spending time with friends. She has a Masters in Biology and is currently pursuing her PhD in Health Services Management and Policy. She also enjoys blogging for Women's Healthcare Topics and Healthline Networks.