Heart Attack Awareness: What You May Not Know
According to the American Heart Association® (AHA), cardiovascular disease is the most dangerous threat to women’s lives. However, only one in five realize this fact. The AHA also reports that women may also experience different signs of possible heart attack than men.
It is crucial for women to educate themselves about their risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack. Southwest Healthcare Temecula Valley Hospital is here to help.
Heart Attack Symptoms
A heart attack is also known as myocardial infarction. It occurs when the flow of blood that delivers oxygen to the heart is partially or totally blocked by a buildup of plaque.
It’s important to know the subtle danger signs of a possible heart attack and act right away before heart damage occurs.
The following are signs of a possible heart attack in men and women:
- Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort
- Pain that travels down one or both arms
- Jaw pain
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling of fullness
- Mild chest symptoms (pressure, burning, aching, tightness) that come and go
Many women never have chest pain before a heart attack, although most men do. In addition, women may experience physical symptoms for as long as a month before a heart attack.
The most common symptoms that women experience before a heart attack include:
- Unusual fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Shortness of breath
- Indigestion
During an actual heart attack, common symptoms in women include:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Unusual fatigue
- Cold sweat
- Dizziness
Not all warning signs occur in every attack and some will sometimes disappear and return. Time is critical for anyone experiencing a possible heart attack since 85 percent of heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a heart attack.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room immediately. DO NOT WAIT or attempt to drive to the hospital yourself.
Your Heart Attack Risk
There are two types of risk factors, genetic and lifestyle. While we cannot change our genes, we can influence our health by choosing a healthy lifestyle. Here are some heart-healthy tips:
- Don't smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke.
- Treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol, if you have them.
- Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium (salt). You can schedule an outpatient nutritional consult.
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- See your doctor regularly.
Comprehensive Heart Care, Close to Home
Temecula Valley Hospital takes great pride in the cardiovascular services we offer. From education and prevention to intervention and treatment, we have the experience and advanced technology to care for your heart.
Patients turn to us for help with a full spectrum of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease and many more.
SOURCES: American Heart Association®, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention