Heart disease symptoms differ among men and women. Men often have the "classic" symptoms we are all aware of, while women experience a much different and less noticeable set of symptoms.
Doctors have historically attributed these classic signs of heart disease to both men and women: shortness of breath, chest pains, radiating pain that moves from the shoulders to the neck and arms, and increased sweating. Other recognized symptoms are heartburn, indigestion, dizziness, and short losses of consciousness.
Much less noticeable, however, are heart disease symptoms women experience that are much different than male symptoms. Many women never even know that they are having any symptoms that could be related to heart disease. And when and if a woman does have a heart attack, it may seem to come without warning.
Heart disease symptoms women can experience include fatigue and weakness, usually unexplained and unexpected. Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades that can easily be mistaken for sore or tight muscles is also a symptom reported among women, as is pain resembling gas or indigestion, dizziness, and possible nausea or vomiting. Recurring discomfort in the chest is also common, as well as a hard to shake sense of anxiety or doom.
The National Institute of Health performed a study on women and heart disease and found that women often have symptoms for weeks and even months before a heart attack ever takes place. Within the study, 95 percent of the women could tell that they were having unusual and unexpected symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, and shortness of breath, but they did not know that these could be symptoms of heart disease. The study also showed that less than a third of all women experience chest pain, which is what doctors attribute as a leading symptom for a heart attack in both men and women.
Heart disease symptoms women tend to have can be mild and virtually unnoticeable, and for that very reason can be extremely deadly. If a woman does notice unusual symptoms, she may disregard it as common stress factors.
Being proactive when speaking to your doctor could be just the thing that saves your life. It is important to make sure you get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly each year, and request more tests that screen for heart disease if the risk runs in your family. Make sure you let your doctor know of any uncommon or unusual symptoms you may be experiencing.
Your lifestyle is also important in reducing your risk for heart disease. In addition to talking to your doctor, you need to take an honest look at your lifestyle and make sure you are eating right, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and cutting out the sabotaging effects of smoking, drinking, and saturated fats. Make some healthy changes now and continue to educate yourself about heart disease. Being able to identify symptoms of heart disease that women have may just be the thing that saves you or a loved one's life.
Doctors have historically attributed these classic signs of heart disease to both men and women: shortness of breath, chest pains, radiating pain that moves from the shoulders to the neck and arms, and increased sweating. Other recognized symptoms are heartburn, indigestion, dizziness, and short losses of consciousness.
Much less noticeable, however, are heart disease symptoms women experience that are much different than male symptoms. Many women never even know that they are having any symptoms that could be related to heart disease. And when and if a woman does have a heart attack, it may seem to come without warning.
Heart disease symptoms women can experience include fatigue and weakness, usually unexplained and unexpected. Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades that can easily be mistaken for sore or tight muscles is also a symptom reported among women, as is pain resembling gas or indigestion, dizziness, and possible nausea or vomiting. Recurring discomfort in the chest is also common, as well as a hard to shake sense of anxiety or doom.
The National Institute of Health performed a study on women and heart disease and found that women often have symptoms for weeks and even months before a heart attack ever takes place. Within the study, 95 percent of the women could tell that they were having unusual and unexpected symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, and shortness of breath, but they did not know that these could be symptoms of heart disease. The study also showed that less than a third of all women experience chest pain, which is what doctors attribute as a leading symptom for a heart attack in both men and women.
Heart disease symptoms women tend to have can be mild and virtually unnoticeable, and for that very reason can be extremely deadly. If a woman does notice unusual symptoms, she may disregard it as common stress factors.
Being proactive when speaking to your doctor could be just the thing that saves your life. It is important to make sure you get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly each year, and request more tests that screen for heart disease if the risk runs in your family. Make sure you let your doctor know of any uncommon or unusual symptoms you may be experiencing.
Your lifestyle is also important in reducing your risk for heart disease. In addition to talking to your doctor, you need to take an honest look at your lifestyle and make sure you are eating right, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and cutting out the sabotaging effects of smoking, drinking, and saturated fats. Make some healthy changes now and continue to educate yourself about heart disease. Being able to identify symptoms of heart disease that women have may just be the thing that saves you or a loved one's life.
About the Author:
Amber Danice has devoted many years to health and wellness. Can you recognize the symptoms of heart disease? Visit her blog for some useful heart disease articles and tips on how to prevent a heart attack.
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