Women: Know your signs of a Heart Attack

Are women really at risk?

Many women consider heart attack a man’s problem, but a heart attack is the #1 killer of women in the US today. Women are also at higher risk than men of dying within a year of a heart attack. It’s important that all women know how to keep their heart healthy and learn the signs of a heart attack.

Differences between a heart attack in Men and Women

Women tend to be about 10 years older than men when they have a heart attack. Women who have heart attacks are also more likely than men to have other chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. Women, however, women are somewhat more likely than men to experience other symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Signs of Heart Attack

Common heart-attack signs:

• 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 a shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness

Every minute counts, even if the symptoms seem to disappear!

Treatments are most effective if given within one hour of when the attack begins. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 right away!

Some Basic Ways to keep your heart healthy

• Quit smoking
• Eat a heart healthy diet
• Get plenty of regular exercise
• Keep your weight under control
• Get regular medical checkups
• Manage the stress in your life
• Control your blood pressure and cholesterol