Don’t Ignore These Symptoms of Heart Disease

As a disease, heart disease currently operates as the most significant killer of both 
women and men in the United States. Women present heart attack symptoms differently 
from men, so this poses a challenge for many physicians. But women can take their 
health into their own hands and learn about their heart attack symptoms. By doing this, 
they can reduce their risk and get help if and when a heart attack comes. 

The Heart Attack Symptoms That Women Experience

Many women experience some discomfort or pain in the chest, which can signal the 
onset of a heart attack. But chest pain may not even act as the most severe heart attack 
symptom for women. Many women who have a heart attack may not even experience 
any pressure or discomfort in their chest at all. While men experience chest pain as 
their most prominent symptom, women may experience other severe symptoms, like the 
following:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea or vomiting
Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or abdominal support 
Pain in the arms
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Unusual fatigue

Women tend to seek medical help after a heart attack because many of the listed 
symptoms don't usually get matched with a heart attack. Also, a lot of women tend to 
dismiss their symptoms. If you have any of the listed symptoms and think it might mean 
a heart attack, call for emergency help ASAP. Get another person to drive you to the 
emergency room unless you have run out of options. 

The Risk Factors of Heart Disease That Affect Women

While certain risk factors for heart disease - like obesity, high cholesterol, and high 
blood pressure - affect both genders, other factors on the following list may affect 
women more than men. Some of these risk factors include some of the following 
conditions:

Diabetes
Inactivity: women tend to be less physically active than men
Menopause
Mental health and depression: Studies show that the hearts of women get affected by 
depression and stress more than men
Pregnancy complications: The presence of diabetes or high blood pressure in the 
mother can cause the development of heart disease in the woman
Who Should Worry About Developing Heart Disease?

Every woman should take heart disease seriously. Younger women with a family history 
of heart disease should take special care of their health. 

What Can We Do to Lower Our Heart Disease Risk?

Exercise
Eat a diet that is low in sugars, trans and saturated fats, and salt
Stay at a healthy weight
Quit smoking or don't start a smoking habit

