Despite its portrayal in film and media, heart attacks do not necessarily occur in the same manner. You might picture a person holding their chest tightly or squeezing their arm, but what happens when these recognizable symptoms are absent and you must rely on subtler ones?
This is most definitely the case when it comes to women. Heart disease in women can go unrecognized due to the unfamiliar symptoms associated with a heart attack. This is just one of the many reasons why women should receive a heart disease screening, especially those concerned about their cardiovascular health.
Women and Cardiovascular Health
According to MedlinePlus, cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women over the age of 25. Although men have a greater risk earlier in life, a woman’s risk increases after menopause.
In addition to the range of warning signs, women can also experience multiple signs for weeks or even years before a heart attack occurs. Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack is crucial and can save a life if caught in time.
Warning Signs Women Should Know
For women, there is a wide range of warning signs associated with heart disease or a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack. Some of the warning signs you should know include the following:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Pain or tightness in the neck, arm, jaw, or shoulder
- Cold sweats
- Nausea
- Sleeping difficulties
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Indigestion
- Fainting
When women experience a heart attack, they may not necessarily present with obvious signs such as chest pain. Instead, women may suffer from the above warning signs.
Know When to Act in Time
There are several early signs of heart disease. Classic signs include arm pain, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Other symptoms can be present without the classic signs.
Because of this, it is important to recognize and treat a heart attack right away. Not only does learning about heart attack signs improve your chances of survival, but it also allows you to act in time.
Many do not realize that, on average, a person having a heart attack will wait 2 hours before calling for help. This is a long period of time during which a person could be seen by a doctor and receive emergency help.
Instead of waiting, contact 911 immediately to decrease any damage to your heart and avoid a life-threatening heart attack.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Women
There are numerous risk factors for heart disease to be aware of. Any of the following can increase your chance of developing heart disease or a specific heart condition:
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- The use of estrogen
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Depression
- Drinking alcohol excessively
- Excessive intake of salty or fatty foods
If any of the above categories pertain to you, consider seeing a doctor to determine your cardiovascular health.
How to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to remain safe and healthy. For instance, limit your alcohol intake as well as your tobacco use. Additionally, you can keep your heart healthy by choosing fruits and vegetables instead of fatty foods.
Other ways to keep your heart healthy include:
- Eating fewer animal products, such as eggs or cheese
- Avoiding foods with saturated fat
- Selecting lean proteins such as fish, beans, and chicken
- Eating low-fat dairy products
- Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
By maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can build a healthy heart that lasts.
Determine Your Heart Health Today
For those concerned about their heart health, consider the United Heart Institute. We offer a variety of options for your heart health, including computed tomography (CT) scans, X-rays, and other diagnostic tools to help evaluate your condition.
Speak with one of our experts who can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and offer personalized treatment plans to fit your needs. Contact our heart health clinic today to learn more about your treatment options.
