While cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of both men and women, it is preventable and treatable. Since almost half of all heart attacks occur without warning, it is important to know the risk factors and how to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Heart attack symptoms can be subtle and it is important to recognize an occurrence as quickly as possible.
Men and women experience some similar signs for heart disease as well as varying symptoms. Women are more likely to experience symptoms nausea, heartburn, dizziness, and anxiety that indicate a heart attack. Unfortunately women are less likely than men to seek medical attention for symptoms that may be signs of serious disease.
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Both Men and Women
Cardiovascular disease includes many conditions: hypertension (high blood pressure), heart attacks, strokes, angina (chest pain), atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart valve disease and arrhythmia. Most of these conditions take years to build up and are preventable by avoiding or controlling risk factors in both men and women.
Risk factors for heart disease include:
- family history
- high blood pressure
- abnormal cholesterol levels
- diabetes
- smoking and second-hand smoke
- age over 45 years
- kidney disease
- low levels of physical activity
- being overweight
- poor sleeping habits
- sleep apnea (snoring)
- poor dental health and gingivitis (gum disease)
- chronic and high levels of stress
- poorly controlled emotions such as anger
- ethnicity (Individuals of Asian and African descent at higher risk)
Some Heart Attacks Symptoms Differ in Men and Women
As almost 50 percent of heart attacks occur without prior warnings; it is important to recognize the early symptoms of a heart attack. Research shows that chances for survival after a heart attack are four times higher if someone performs CPR immediately and if immediate medical attention is given.
Men and women can experience both similar and very different symptoms of a heart attack. Men are more likely to have heart attacks and suffer from this condition at a much younger age than women with heart disease. Warning signs that require emergency care include:
In women:
- chest pain (angina) or feelings of pressure
- abdominal pain or feelings of fullness
- pain or feelings of pressure in the neck or upper back
- jaw pain or numbness
- nausea or feeling sick, dizzy or faint
- feelings of anxiety
- shortness of breath
- indigestion or heartburn
- cold sweats
In men:
- chest tightness and pain (angina)
- discomfort and pain in the upper body (shoulders, neck or arms)
- numbness in the arms or shoulders
- pain in the upper back
- sweating
- nausea or vomiting
- dizziness
- symptoms may disappear with rest and then return
Any symptom should not be disregarded particularly if one or more risk factor is present. Early treatment is more effective and increases chances of recovery.
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Reference:
Patient UK: Treating High Blood Pressure
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
