Heart disease is often thought of as a man’s issue, but women are also at risk. This condition is one of the most common causes of death across the two sexes. The challenge is catching and treating the diseases is that there are very different symptoms for men and women. With a little bit of time and prevention, it is possible to learn the early signs of heart disease in women and avoid some of the most serious health conditions. Read on for the information you need to protect your health.
Factors That Increase the Risk of Heart Disease
There are several factors that might increase the risk of heart disease. If you’re experiencing any of these factors, or a combination of them, watch for the early signs of heart disease in women. These factors include diabetes, depression, mental stress, inactivity, pregnancy complications, smoking, menopause and broken heart syndrome. Women who suffer from inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are more likely to have an elevated risk of heart disease. Some women neglect to watch for early signs of heart disease because they mistakenly believe that they won’t be affected until the age of 65. It’s important to recognize that heart disease prevention happens during early years.
Choices That Prevent Heart Disease
With recognition of risk comes the need to take preventative steps. The most effective lifestyle changes to make include maintaining a healthy weight. A healthy diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products and lean meats can be combined with regular exercise to improve overall health and minimize the risk of heart disease. If you smoke, you should consider quitting as soon as possible. One final preventative step is to continue taking your prescription medication as recommended by your health care professional. Medications, such as blood thinners and aspirin, can improve your long-term safety from heart disease and reduce the risk factors for other conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Recognize Women Specific Signs
One of the most common signs of a heart attack is pain or pressure in the chest. However, this sign isn’t usually the most recognizable system. Some women experience a heart attack and never feel discomfort in their chest. If you’ve been aware of the early signs of heart disease, watch out for some signs that you are likely to experience a heart attack. These signs include discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder or upper back; shortness of breath; pain in one or more arms; vomiting; sweating; dizziness or unusual tiredness. These symptoms are more likely to be experienced while women are at rest and could be triggered by mental stress.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
You could have heart disease and not recognize the most common early signs of heart disease in women. Too often, women wait to experience severe chest pain before becoming concerned about heart disease. Don’t put your heart health at risk by neglecting to recognize the systems. For the best protection against heart disease and heart attacks, learn to recognize the specific signs that women experience and take preventative steps to enjoy improved health.