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Involved Women Have Fewer Heart Problems

Posted on: Friday, 4 March 2005, 00:00 CST

Women who are actively involved in their own healthcare are less likely to develop heart disease during menopause, Pennsylvania researchers have found.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh monitored 370 middle-aged women during and following their transition through menopause. The team used a survey to determine how much direct involvement each woman wanted in her treatment for problems or other aspects of her own healthcare.

The researchers then used an ultrasound imaging device to look for signs of pre-clinical cardiovascular disease. They found those who wanted to participate more directly in their diagnosis and treatment also were less likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

Our findings provide evidence that women who believe they should be engaged in the maintenance of their health, rather than women who would rather put the responsibility for their health into someone else's hands, somehow translate those attitudes into better health through behavioral and psychological mechanisms, said Wendy Troxel a predoctoral fellow in psychology and the study's lead author.

The study was presented Thursday at the American Psychosomatic Society Annual Meeting.

Source: United Press International

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