Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States? The term heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and heart attack. Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a man’s disease, almost as many women as men die each year of heart disease in the United States.
Though chest pain is the main symptom of heart attacks for women, it may not be the most noticeable. Women are also more likely to have other symptoms like chest, neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or stomach pain. Some other symptoms may include shortness of breath, pain in either arm, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, or just plain heartburn. Believe it or not, women will have many symptoms when resting or even sleeping from emotionless stress on the body. Due to women’s symptoms being less noticeable and different than men, they often go more undiagnosed.
Risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity are common for both men and women, but some affect women more than men. One of these risks includes diabetes because it can change the way women feel pain. This can lead to a silent heart attack without any perceived pre-symptoms. Another risk factor for women is depression which makes it difficult for women to maintain a healthy lifestyle leading to heart disease. Another that only applies to women is pregnancy complications and menopause. Though certain risks can cause heart disease in women, living a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the risk.
Although you may have spent the last few days focused on your loved ones for Valentine’s Day, check in with yourself to ensure you’re doing your part in lowering your risk for heart disease.
Like what you’re reading?
Recent Comments