Think about it: The stereotypical heart attack patient on TV is male, right? While that’s often the depiction, the reality is that heart disease is also a women’s health issue. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women, something they have in common with men. While you can’t control your family medical history, other risk factors are within your control, meaning you can take steps to lower your risk. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits, including exercising regularly, not smoking and eating a balanced diet can help promote better heart health.
While debilitating chest pain is the symptom you see depicted most often on TV, many women experiencing a heart attack may not even have chest pain. Or, if they do experience chest pain, it may feel different than the “squeezing” sensation men experience. Women are more likely to experience other symptoms, including pain or pressure in the upper abdomen, fainting, indigestion or extreme fatigue. Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting are also common.
How to Lower Your Risk of Developing Heart Disease
We mentioned briefly above that you can make lifestyle changes to protect your heart. Let’s touch on those changes:
- Don’t smoke.
- Prioritize sleep.
- Move often.
- Eat more fruits and veggies.
- Choose whole grains.
- Add in two servings of fish a week.
- Get your checkups in.
- Give stress the boot.
If it’s been a while since you had a checkup, now’s the time! An annual checkup can help you keep track of your risk factors for heart disease and other medical conditions.
