Recently conducted research suggests that the infamous signs and symptoms of heart attacks in men are not the same for women. Over 500 women who had undergone a Myocardial Infarction or MI (acute heart attack), reported symptoms such as anxiety, sleep deprivation, stomach disturbances, and breathing problems.
Only 30% of the women who reported chest pain had reports of aching and tightness. Women who experience symptoms of heart disease tend to ignore or deny that any discomfort exists. Women are less likely to seek help early when symptoms of heart disease begin to manifest themselves. They figure if they are feeling tired, its because the week must have been particularly busy, let alone the fact that she may be having problems sleeping. The most remote thing from her mind is that she could be on the road to an impending heart attack, thus is less prone to get needed medical attention.
Recently, the media has become an important factor in bringing awareness to women about their risks for heart disease and heart attacks. Research has indicated the risk for heart attacks in women is greater than that of men. The most common factor is age. When women get older, their estrogen levels fluctuate making them an easy target. In addition, women who use birth control products and indulge in tobacco products put themselves at a greater risk for this silent killer. This is what makes proper education key in preventing this disease. Typically, women will not experience a heart attack for at least ten years after the risk age for men.
There are no age limits where heart disease is concerned, which is why it is critical for every woman to take charge of her own health. Knowing the family health history is key in recognizing the risk factors as well as being able to utilize all the resources available to them for prevention. Taking control is one giant step towards preventing this number one killer of women from becoming a wide spread epidemic.
There are many options for treatment available, including the immediate opening of a blocked artery, restoring blood flow to the heart. Realizing the early symptoms of a heart attack aids in the accuracy of the right diagnosis, and the right treatment. Your health is your responsibility, so take care of yourself to ensure you live a healthy quality of life for as long as possible.