Women Die from Heart Disease Too

Michael J. Lyons, D.O., Chief Medical Officer, Coastal Gateway Health Center

Don’t be fooled, it could be your heart.

Heart disease is the most common cause of death in both men and women.

According to EMS chief complaint logs, twenty-six (26%) percent of females having nonspecificsymptoms such as neck, jaw, shoulder or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, or heartburn are actually having a heart attack.

I’m fine, it’s just my “heartburn”.

Chest pain is still the most common symptom of heart disease in both males and females. Females are more likely than males to have atypical symptoms. Since symptoms in females differ from males, they are less likely to be diagnosed and have a greater chance of dying.

Women will be a little older but are more likely than men to die from a heart attack!

Women on average are ten years older than their male counterparts when having a heart attack, usually an average of 72 years versus 61 for men. Women who suffer from a heart attack, have a twenty percent (20%) greater chance of dying or developing heart failure than men.

Women have a more complicated medical history.

Women usually have other medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that can contribute to heart disease. Other heart disease risk factors include emotional stress, depression, smoking, inactivity, menopause, family history, and inflammatory diseases.

Women are less likely to be treated for heart disease than men.

Women are less frequently seen by cardiovascular specialists 73% versus men at 84% and are less likely to be treated with medications or revascularization procedures.

Don’t miss the symptoms.  It is best to prevent the disease.

If you smoke, quit. Eat a healthy diet. Pick healthy options like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean meats. Moderate exercise daily, simply walking 45 minutes a day has been proven to be beneficial. Manage stress, limit alcohol intake, and control other health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

See your doctor.

If you’re not certain, see your doctor. Don’t neglect the unique life-threatening symptoms ofbeing a female with heart disease.

Coastal Gateway Health Center can be reached by phone at 409.296.4444 or by email at [email protected].  Or for more information regarding our services and programs, please visit our website at www.coastalgatewayhc.org or find and follow us on Facebook.  We are proud to be #yourcommunityhealthcenter.