The topic of women and heart disease is increasingly important as I get older. In my research, I have found that although women can experience atypical symptoms they usually experience the same well-known warning signs men experience (Hitti, 2005). Well- known heart disease symptoms include:
- crushing, squeezing or burning in the center of the chest sometimes radiating to the neck, jaw or shoulders
- shortness of breath, dizziness and sometimes fainting
- nausea, sweating, chills, cold and clammy skin
Every second counts when treating heart atttack victims so if you experience any of these symptoms call 911 immediately. On average men take about three hours to call for help but often women take longer, up to four hours (Hitti, 2005). Women sometimes suffer different heart attack symptoms according to a study conducted by Jill Quinn and Kathleen King of the University of Rochester's nursing school in New York (Hitti, 2005). In their study which involved 41 women and 59 men they found women to be more likely to experience:
- throat discomfort
- vomiting or indigestion
- sensation of pressing on the chest
- shortness of breath
Of course not every person has the same risk factors for heart attack. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity are the biggest risk factors for men and women but additional risk factors for women may play a larger role in the developement of heart disease (Mayo, 2012). Additional risk factors women may experience are:
- Metabolic Syndrome (a combination of high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high blood sugar)
- mental stress and depression
- smoking is a greater risk factor for women than men
- low levels of estrogen after menopause (small vessel heart disease)
There are some things we can all do to prevent heart disease (Mayo, 2012):
- exercise 30-60 minutes a day
- maintain a healthy weight
- quit smoking
- follow a heart healthy diet low in saturated fat, salt and cholesterol
In my research I found several websites which include a heart disease risk calculator which involes filling out a questionaire on subjects such as diet, family history and other lifestyle indicators. After the information is entered you recieve information on your level of risk for a heart attack and suggestions for the steps to take next. Most importantly if you have any concerns at all or any of the above symptoms talk to your doctor immediately.
References
Hitti, M. (2005).
Men vs. Women: Confusion Over Heart Symptoms. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20050218/men-vs-women-confusion-over-heart-symptoms
Mayo Clinic staff. (2012
). Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-healthy-diet/NU00196
