Heart Disease Among Women

Heart Disease affects more women than men , and more women die from heart disease than men every year. Research shows this is also more then all combined cancers. Why is this happening? We should all be prepared, it is not just a man's disease. Heart Attacks are more severe in women than men and generally women will have a second one within six months from their first, usually causing death. Although women tend to ignore their symptoms. Heart attack symptoms may be different than in men, and we all need to be aware of this. For example some of the symptoms may include:

Sudden weakness or unexplained tiredness. Unexplained anxiety and nervousness. Swelling of the ankles and lower legs.

Because women are not feeling the typical pain on the left side of chest they have a tendency to ignore these symptoms. The typical warning signs that we all need to be aware of include.

Chest discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more then a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back . Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw (can radiate in the ear), or pain in the stomach. Shortness of breath. Cold sweats for no apparent reason. Nausea indigestion or heartburn (not relieved by antacids) and Dizziness.

They may not experience or have all of these symptoms , they may just experience one or two of these and might seem minor for a couple days. Then they will intense. Either way they should never be ignored. Call your physician for a check up to make sure.

How can women reduce the risk of heart disease? Take care of high blood pressure. STOP SMOKING. Loose weight if needed, start exercising possibly by starting a walking routine. Eat a healthy diet - watch salty foods. Do not add any table salt to foods. Increasing high fibers, fruits, vegetables. Avoiding fats and high cholesterol foods. Try to cut back on caffeine.

Learn relaxation techniques, get enough rest. Get treatment and take control of other medical conditions such as diabetes. Diabetics are at high risk for other conditions. Hormone therapy can increase the risk of heart disease so make sure this is discussed with your health care provider before starting therapy. Talk about aspirin , a low dose a day can reduce risk of heart disease and stroke.

Make sure to call 911 if you are having chest pain that continues and does not stop at rest , the pain gets intense within a short amount of time. You are short of breath and cold sweating is occurring. If you have baby aspirin take four at the onset of chest pain. Lay down on a sofa or floor and put feet up on a pillow. Have someone stay with you. Try to remain calm until help arrives.

Prevention is the best medicine.