February is Heart Health Month.
So, guess what we’re talking about on today’s blog?
Yep, the differences between men and women and our nation’s number ONE killer.
Heart disease.
Here is a shocking little statistic. 1 in 3 women die from heart disease. It is the NUMBER 1 disease killing both men and women every year.
Heart attacks and risks are DIFFERENT in women.
Chest pain IS one of the symptoms….but, in women it can present as something else. It may not be “crushing” pain like it often is with men. Dr. Jen Caudle (Rowan University) tells the story of a women having upper abdominal pains. Turns out, she was having a heart attack.
- Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or upper belly (abdomen) discomfort.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pain in one or both arms.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sweating.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Unusual fatigue.
- Heartburn (indigestion)
If you are like me, these symptoms could be a dozen different things, right?
Be sure to really listen to your body. What is feeling “off”? How long has it been going on? Is your discomfort consistent or painful? Get an appointment immediately to chat with your medical professional.