Health & Wellness: The Risks and Signs of Heart Disease

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The Risks and Signs of Heart Disease

Daily Bread

A heart at peace gives life to the body.
Proverbs 14:30

Talk with your physician about your risk for heart disease and learn the warning signs of a heart attack.

The best steps a woman can take to recognize the signs of a heart attack are to pay attention to her body and know the signs and symptoms. They may differ from the symptoms typically experienced by men.

“The big message is that it is not true that the only way a heart attack presents is crushing chest pain,” said Molly Dyer, manager of cardiac rehabilitation at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis.

While many people do experience the stereotypical chest pain, women may experience back pain, arm pain or extreme fatigue. “For example, if you’re used to walking your dog three times around the park and all of a sudden you can’t get halfway around, that may be a sign something is wrong,” Dyer said.

Symptoms of a heart attack for men and women may include:

Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest
Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Other symptoms, such as shortness of breath (feeling like you can't get enough air), breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), or feeling faint or woozy

Some women have more vague symptoms such as:

Unusual tiredness
Trouble sleeping
Problems breathing
Indigestion (upset stomach)
Anxiety (feeling uneasy or worried)

Since these symptoms are vague, how can a woman know if they are indeed signs of a heart attack? The answer: stay in tune with your body, educate yourself about the symptoms of a heart attack and visit your doctor regularly. “Regular medical follow-up and having routine physicals is important,” Dyer said.

Women who think they may be at risk for heart disease should schedule an appointment with their physician, take this information and ask these questions.

What are the signs of heart disease for women?
How can I tell if I'm having a heart attack?
What is my risk for heart disease?
What can I do to lower my risk?
What are my cholesterol and trigylceride levels and what should they be?
What is my blood pressure and what should it be?
What is my blood sugar level? Am I at risk for diabetes?
Do I need screening tests for heart disease? If so, what tests? How do I get the results?
What is a healthy weight for me?
What should I eat to keep my heart healthy?
What activity level is right for me?
How can you help me quit smoking?
Do I need to come back and see you?

If medication is prescribed:

Why was it prescribed?
When do I take it?
How much do I take?
Should I avoid any medications, food, or activities while taking it?
What are the side effects?
Is there a generic version of this medication? If so, should I get the brand name or the generic?

Published: January 29, 2008
Source: Molly Dyer, manager of cardiac rehabilitation at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis; and The National Women’s Health Information Center, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health.
Writer: Elizabeth Todd Bartholomew, MA, APR

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