February is American Heart Month, a time for everyone, especially women, to think about their heart health.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. It’s never too early for women to start thinking about ways to protect their heart. Knowing the facts about heart disease and ways to reduce your risk can help you stay healthy and seek proper treatment if needed.
How to Spot a Heart Attack in Women
Women’s heart attacks can be tricky to spot. They might feel like mild chest pain or even the flu. Here’s what to watch for:
- Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or keeps coming back
- Pain in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling sweaty, sick to your stomach, or dizzy
While chest pain is the most common sign for both men and women, women might get other signs too, like:
- Being short of breath
- Throwing up
How to Protect Your Heart
You can prevent heart disease by taking time to take care of yourself. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your heart.
- Know Your Risk: Talk to your doctor about your heart health and learn your numbers.
- Quit smoking: If you quit, your risk of heart disease drops by half after just one year.
- Move More: Try to add exercise into your week.
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Try eating healthy meals and making better food choices for you and your family.
More resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/women-and-heart-disease.html
https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease/art-20046167