Women's Heart Health - Heart attack symptoms and the ways to care for yourself

Cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of women every 80 seconds (AHA, 2020). While most of us are familiar with the iconic red dress, that symbolizes the American Heart Association’s, Go Red For Women Campaign. Not all of us are familiar with the statistic that doctors may be more likely to dismiss heart attack symptoms as not heart-related in women younger than 55. Researchers interviewed close to 3,000 individuals, both women, and men and found that 53 percent of women said their provider didn’t think their symptoms were heart-related, compared with 35 percent of men. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2018). This is because sixty-two percent of women present with more than three non-chest pain symptoms, compared to 54.8 percent of men. Because of this, 53 percent of women said their healthcare provider, misinterpreted or ignored young women who need care (Healthline, 2020). Additionally, women delay seeking care for symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath. In a small study conducted on women, ages 30 to 55, the most common reason why women delayed seeking care is that they had trouble recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack (Sing, 2015).  If women experience three-non-chest pain symptoms of a heart attack, what are all of the warning signs? According to the American Heart Association signs and symptoms of a heart attack in women include:

1.     Uncomfortable pressure, or fullness in the center of the chest that goes away and comes back. 

2.     Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

3.     Shortness of breath (with or without chest discomfort).

4.     Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

5.     Chest pain or discomfort. While chest pain is common, women are more likely than men to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, jaw or back pain, or nausea/vomiting.  

As a woman, what can you do to care for yourself?  

First, know the signs of a heart attack and understand your risk. Heart disease kills more women, then all cancers combined. By informing ourselves of our risk, and the symptoms of a heart attack, we will feel more informed and confident in seeking care.

Secondly, make sure that a heart health assessment is included in your annual wellness exam, beginning at age 18. Currently, only 40 percent of women reported having a heart health assessment during a yearly wellness exam. And, two stages in a woman’s life heighten risk: pregnancy and menopause. Women seeking hormone replacement therapy should only receive a prescription after cardiac assessment (Columbia Heart Surgery, 2020). 

And finally, don’t hesitate to seek care, and advocate for yourself if you are not getting proper care. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  Don’t be scared to ask for a second opinion from another on-call physician.  Don’t for a second, let that little voice inside of you, which tells you that you are overdramatic win. Women are traditionally better at advocating for others, but we hesitate to advocate for ourselves, think of yourself as your friend, and advocate for her!

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, if you think you are at risk, talk to your doctor, schedule a heart health assessment, and then, please do it again next year.

References

American Heart Association. (2020, February 20). About Heart Disease in Women. Retrieved from About Heart Disease in Women: https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women

American Heart Association. (2020, February 20). Symptoms of a Heart Attack and Stroke in Women. Retrieved from Symptoms of a Heart Attack and Stroke in Women: https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/signs-and-symptoms-in-women

Columbia Heart Surgery. (2020, February 20). The Mounting Crisis in Women's Heart Health. Retrieved from Columbia Surgery: https://columbiasurgery.org/news/mounting-crisis-women-s-heart-health

Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, May 20). Clinicians sometimes misread heart attack symptoms in women. Cambridge, MA, US.

Healthline. (2020, February 20). Doctors Missed Heart Attack Signs in Women. Retrieved from Doctors Missed Heart Attack Signs in Women: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/doctors-missed-heart-attack-signs-in-women#1

Sing, M. (2015, February 24). Younger Women Hesitate to Say They're Having a Heart Attack. Retrieved from NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/02/24/388787045/younger-women-hesitate-to-say-theyre-having-a-heart-attack

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