All women should be aware that the signs of heart attacks for women are different, so they can increase their awareness. Women are at a greater risk for heart attacks and are more likely to develop heart disease as they age. Statistics show that more women than men die of heart attacks and more women die of heart disease than from all forms of cancer combined!
One thing women should know is that the signs of heart attacks for women are far more subtle than for men. The symptoms could be non-existent altogether which makes it even more important to have a yearly physical and to pay attention to changes in your body. Women who take birth control pills and are over thirty-five or women taking hormone replacement therapy increase their risks for developing heart disease.
Hispanic and African-American women are at a higher risk for heart attack than white women. Women that fall in this category are more likely to be overweight or diabetic which are two important risk factors for heart disease. To reduce the risk, women must reduce their risk factors.
The signs of heart attacks in women that people quote most often are pain in the arm or shoulders, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath. These signs can go one for several minutes and then pass. In the event that these symptoms occur, you or someone with you, should call emergency services right away.
For women, the signs can occur one at a time and disappear. They come back later but their re-occurrence may be linked to something else. Tightness in the chest that occurs after a meal could be attributed to indigestion. Breaking into a cold sweat could be attributed to menopause or stress.
Common signs of heart attacks for women are as follows:
* Dizziness, anxiety, or trouble sleeping
* Pain in the arms, neck, back, or jaw
* Tightness or squeezing in the chest
* Upset stomach
* Feelings of tiredness or weakness
* Shortness of breath
* Breaking out into a cold sweat
Any woman who has experienced these symptoms whether alone or in combination should get a physical examination that includes a chest x-ray and EKG. All of these signs could be attributed to other conditions, but if there is no other reason why they are happening, consult a doctor immediately. If you have a history of heart disease in your family see a doctor about the possibility of a heart attack as early as your mid-30’s.
The best thing that women can do to avoid a heart attack is to reduce their risk factors and have regular check-ups. Because the signs of heart attacks for women are more subtle, you should be alert to all changes in your body. The symptom that you ignore could lead to a heart attack.