Heart disease is often thought of as a man’s disease, but the truth is that it affects just as many women. In fact, more women in the United States die of heart disease and stroke than from all types of cancer combined. A recent article from the NY Times discusses the fact that this disease is now becoming more common in young women.
What can you do to lower your risk? What warning signs mean you should call 911?
Risk Factors in Women
The traditional risk factors for heart disease like high cholesterol, obesity, and high blood pressure impact women, but there are some additional things females should be looking for. These risk factors affect more women than men:
Diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Smoking
Mental stress and depression
Low levels of estrogen after menopause
Lack of physical activity
Pregnancy complications like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes
To minimize risk as much as possible, women should avoid smoking, exercise 30 to 60 minutes per day, maintain a healthy weight, and keep a diet low in cholesterol, salt, and saturated fat.
Warning Signs of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Cardiac Arrest
Each of these cardiovascular emergencies presents in different ways. If any of these warning signs are present, it is important that you call 911 immediately.
Heart attack:
Chest discomfort like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Shortness of breath
Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
Stroke
Drooping or numbness on one side of the face
Weakness in one arm
Difficulty speaking, including slurred speech, inability to speak, or speech that is hard to understand
Cardiac Arrest
Sudden loss of responsiveness
No normal breathing
Remember that every second counts, so calling 911 as soon as any of these signs are present is crucial.
If you are at risk for heart disease, speak with your doctor to determine the best methods for prevention. Share this post with the women in your life to educate them on the importance of their heart health.
