Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America and yet very few know the signs that could save their lives. When a heart attack happens every second counts. So Women need to be educated about the signs of heart attacks and know what the risk factors are.
Know the Signs
First, women must learn to recognize a heart attack. Many symptoms are the same in both men and women, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, pain in the neck, arms, shoulders or jaw, vomiting, and tightness in the chest. However, some symptoms are more common in women, such as indigestion, nausea, dizziness, weakness, pain between the shoulder blades, recurring chest discomfort, and an impending sense of doom. By knowing the signs and symptoms, women can save their lives and the lives of those they love.
Don’t Ignore Your Body
Even if women know what the symptoms of a heart attack are they may chose to ignore them. Some common ways women fail to recognize the symptoms are to think they are too young to have a heart attack, uncertainty about the seriousness of the situation, fear that doctors will not take them seriously, and lastly, some women are just too busy to go to the hospital and get their symptoms checked out. Women need to learn to listen to their bodies and take the possibility of a heart attack seriously.
Know Your Risk Factors
Women need to educate themselves about the risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular problems. Some can not be controlled, such as age, gender, or heredity. As women age, the risk of a heart attack goes up. After women reach menopause, they need to be more sensitive to the possible symptoms. Women, who have had a heart attack or a stroke in the past, need to be especially vigilant. The American Heart Association explains that 43% of women over 40 who have had a heart attack will have another.
Take Preventative Measures
Although there are some risk factors that women are unable to control, there are some things women can do to help reduce their risks. By not smoking, eating healthy, staying active, and by watching her blood pressure and cholesterol a woman can lower her risk for a heart attack.
Every year heart attacks kill 16,000 women between the ages of 30 to 55. Through education, women are able to save themselves. By knowing both the symptoms and the risk factors women can react appropriately to a heart attack by immediately receiving treatment. Many women do not have to die.
More Information
The American Heart Association
Work Cited
Miranda, Hitti. "Younger Women Miss Heart Attack Signs." Web MD. 2 May 2008. 2 Mar 2009.
"Woman, Heart Disease and Stroke." American Heart Association. 2007. 2 Mar 2009.
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