Women's Heart Health: Know the Signs of a Heart Attack

Posted @ Mar. 30 2011 11:33AM by brian - health-wellness

By Carol Ann Brannon, MS, RD, LD

February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for U.S. men and women. Unfortunately, a woman is statistically less likely than a man to survive a major heart attack. It’s important to know the warning signs and symptoms of heart disease. Did you know they are different for men and women? 

Chest pain or discomfort, the most common heart attack symptom, is not always the most severe or prominent symptom in women. Women are more likely to experience one or more of the following: pain or discomfort in the neck, shoulder, upper back or abdominal area; shortness of breath; nausea without vomiting; sweating; lightheadedness or dizziness; and unusual fatigue. Because these symptoms are more subtle than crushing chest pain, women often delay seeking medical attention. Women mistake the symptoms for indigestion or fatigue. By the time they seek medical attention, major heart damage may have occurred. A woman experiencing any of these symptoms persistently should immediately call for emergency medical help. Do not drive to the emergency room.

Who is at Risk? The answer is simple – all women aged 25 or older are at potential risk. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women 65 and older, the second leading cause of death for women 45 to 64, and the third leading cause of death for women 25 to 44.

Risk Factors: The major risk factors for both men and women are high total and LDL cholesterol levels, hypertension, and obesity. However, the following factors appear to have a greater impact on the development of heart disease in women:
Metabolic syndrome – a combination of abdominal obesity, hypertension, elevated blood glucose (pre-diabetes) and triglycerides
Mental stress and depression.
Smoking
Low levels of estrogen before and after menopause

To help reduce your risk of heart disease, follow these HEART guidelines:

H = Healthy Weight
A healthy weight is generally defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24; to determine your BMI go to www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3048134.
Try losing just 5 to 10 percent of your current weight if you are overweight or obese; slow steady weight loss (1-2 pounds/week) is recommended
Consume less calories than you expend to lose weight; track your food intake using one of these free programs: www.fitday.com or www.sparkspeople.com

E = Eat Clean
Eat real, unprocessed foods frequently
Focus on whole grains and fiber-rich foods (oats, beans)
Choose to eat 5 to 9 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables daily
Focus on healthy fats – fish, nuts, seeds, and flax seeds
Enjoy probiotic foods like yogurt and kefir
Avoid saturated and trans fats
Drink alcohol in moderation: one drink (5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, or 1.5 oz liquor) daily for women

A = Activate Your Muscles, Strengthen Your Core, and Pump Your Heart
Exercise 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week
Walk 10,000 steps a day to strengthen your heart, lungs, and bones
Practice strength training (weights, pilates, yoga) and stretching – these are necessary as we age

R = Routine
Don’t skimp on sleep; inadequate sleep quantity or quality can lead to health problems, including weight gain, fatigue, mood disorders, diabetes and heart disease
Get regular checkups with your physician

T = Think Positive and Live Proactively
Laugh often
Be an intentional eater – make diet and exercise a priority
Heart disease is preventable. Prevention begins with education, eating right, and exercising often. For more information about women and heart disease, visit the Queen of Hearts Foundation at www.qohf.org