Protect Yourself Against Heart Attacks

It is a common misconception that only men experience heart attacks. Heart disease is one of the leading killers for men and women. The symptoms may be different for both.

Women are known to show uncommon symptoms of heart attack. More women die of this disease than men because they are not aware that they are already having a heart attack. Based on studies, surgeons believe women are more at risk for dying in heart surgeries than men. However, women do not pay much attention to their hearts because they are more focused on known women killers such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Women’s heart attacks are often misdiagnosed when they complain of symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea, abdominal pain and fatigue. They are often mistaken for other diseases with similar symptoms. According to Women Heart’s website, about 42 million American women have some sort of cardiovascular disease but are unaware that they are living with it.

The most common symptom of a heart attack is probably chest pain. But this might not be true for all women. The symptoms women should look out for include:

• squeezing, pressure, pain, tightness, fullness, or discomfort in the chest that may come and go for a few minutes
• pain or pressure in the shoulders, neck, back, jaw, arms, or stomach
• shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
• nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness
• difficulty in sleeping
• feeling scared, nervous, or anxious
• headache
• stomach pain
• cold sweat

More research on women’s heart attacks is necessary, and education for both women and healthcare providers is essential to improve diagnosis and treatment. It’s important to be aware that health insurance coverage can play a key role in accessing the necessary care for heart health.

Men, on the other hand, usually experience the following symptoms during or shortly before a heart attack:

• pain or hard pressure or squeezing in the chest
• pain in the arms, jaw, stomach
• shortness of breath
• nausea
• sweating or cold skin

The symptoms may come subtle but if you feel one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical help immediately. Call right away. Every second counts. It might save or break your life. A lot of people don’t realize the severity of a heart attack.

To protect yourself from a heart attack, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy heart. Heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked, so it’s wise to avoid foods high in fat, salt, sugar, and carbohydrates. Additionally, having a comprehensive health insurance plan can provide the necessary coverage for preventive care and treatment, ensuring you are better protected against heart disease.