The statistics show a concerning high number of women who are suffering from a heart disease, and it is 43.8 million women. Women are more prone to heart attack than all the forms of cancer and also they have more change of dying of a heart condition than the men have. This may come as a surprise to you, and it is because of the fact that we all think that men have higher chance of dying of a heart attack than women. This opinion may put women to have a higher chance at suffering a heart attack, and no one blames the heart attack as the responsible.
There is also the statement that the symptoms are quite different for women and men who suffer a heart attack, because in men it is very sudden and dramatic, but on the other hand in women – the symptoms are milder; and in some cases it can be misunderstood as just flu.
So these are the most common symptoms of heart attack in women:
1. Sweating and shortness of Breath
This symptom can appear as an unusual break out in cold sweat, which is often misunderstood as a symptom of common flu. So observe the symptoms especially if they are getting worse after a workout or just while you are resting. If you experience pain in the chest, it is definitely a warning sign.
2. Nausea or Vomiting
When we experience vomiting or nausea, we usually think that they are symptoms of a stomach bug or other illness. Nausea and vomiting are more common for women as a warning sign of a heart attack.
3. Unusual fatigue
We all feel exhausted from time to time, but if you feel a severe or a sudden fatigue that is not usual it is a symptom of a heart attack. Be careful not to miss this sign, especially of there are other symptoms along with it.
4. Pain in other areas besides the chest
Other pains besides the chest pain can also be a sign of a heart attack. So be cautious if you feel pain in either arm, back pain or jaw pain.
5. Chest Pressure
Men feel more intense and severe symptoms when it comes to a heart attack. For women, just the feeling of a fullness of pain in the center of the chest, squeezing or an uncomfortable pressure or there may be no signs at all. This is usually just a few minutes long, or it is a repeated feeling. In some cases, women have experienced upper back pressure as a rope has been tied around them or a squeezing.
The Problem of Plaque
When the blood flow that supplies the heart muscle with enough oxygen is lowered or is cut off totally, in this case is when the heart attack occurs. The reason for this is the accumulated plaque in the arteries that bring the blood to the heart, and the blood flow is reduced. Luckily, there are some things that you can do in order to prevent a heart attack.
Preventative measures
1. Exercise
But be careful not to overdo, because it may have a negative effect and increase the risk of heart attack, but on the other hand exercising moderately can be beneficial in reducing the risk of a heart attack in women, as compared to those who are not active at all.
2. Take supplements
In order to dilate the arteries, fish oil is very beneficial. And the blood flow will be regulated. Also, vitamin K hinders calcification – hardening of the arteries, vitamin C hinders damage to the arteries, which can cause heart attack.
3. Lower the Sugar Intake
Taking too much sugar can cause a lot of side-effects on your health, and it also increases triglycerides and reduces the good cholesterol. This also increases you chances of a heart attack.
4. Eat Right
Consume a lot of vegetables and fruit every day and also garlic is very beneficial. It can reduce the blood pressure. In case you do not like the garlic taste, there are some garlic supplements. Also heart attack can be a result of a high inflammation, and Curcumin – a Turmeric compound; can help with this. It contains strong anti-inflammatory properties which can lower the accumulation of plaque in the arteries.
Advice: you need to know what your body is sending signs for, and always check the root cause for them. If you just think that you are experiencing a heart attack, you should get medical care and go to the hospital immediately.