Who is most at risk for heart attack?
Heart disease and stroke are the No.1 and No.3 killers of women in the US, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). It’s important for every woman to know her risk of these deadly conditions so she can take steps to reduce that risk.
What is the leading cause of heart attack and stroke for women?
Women have different risk factors than men because they face challenges like pregnancy-related complications or hormone therapy treatment for other health problems. Put them all together, and you have a much greater chance of developing heart disease or having a stroke. That’s why it’s so vital to understand your own personal risks, as well as how they can be reduced.
How does age and gender affect heart disease?
Women and men are at similar risk for heart disease—that is, your chances of having a heart attack are about the same regardless of gender. But there are some important differences that make women’s risk greater. For example:
- Heart disease tends to hit women a few years earlier than men. It’s uncommon for a man to get heart disease before he’s 50, but women start developing it much sooner. Your first “warning signs” are likely to occur in your 30s and 40s.
- Women tend to have more risk factors than men when they get heart disease. If you have heart disease, your doctor will look at your gender as part of the problem. For instance, if you’re a woman, you’ll probably be considered at greater risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of diabetes or heart disease.
- Women tend to develop more advanced stage heart disease than men. When it comes to heart disease and stroke, the AHA has a simple rule: “the earlier we treat it, the less damage is done.” This means that because women tend to have their first heart attacks around age 50 while men wait until they’re 60 or older for their first symptom or warning sign (usually chest pain), women often don’t get treated soon enough.
What are signs of heart attack?
Heart AttackSymptoms:
- Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
- Sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.
- Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
How can women prevent heart attack?
In order that Women prevent heart attack and stroke, They need to follow a healthy lifestyle changes and medicines to reduce their risk of heart diseases, heart attack, and stroke. They can also think about the risks and benefits of birth control pills and hormone therapy when they are deciding whether or not to use them.
Heart disease seems to happen slightly differently in women compared to how it happens in men. Learn more here What causes heart disease and stroke and how to reduce risks?