Women and Heart Attacks
If you were having a heart attack, would you know it? Well, if you are a woman, most likely not. That’s because most of us have been taught that the traditional signs of a heart attack are the chest pain and the sharp ache radiating in the left arm that are more common to men. Women, however, tend to have subtler warnings: mild chest discomfort, nausea or a feeling of breathlessness, inexplicable back or jaw pain, or abdominal pain that can be mistaken for indigestion.
Unfortunately, it’s not only the patient who misses these signs. Too often, emergency doctors fail to connect these symptoms to cardiovascular shock. Because heart disease is the number one killer of women (it’s estimated that nearly half a million women die of heart disease each year), it is imperative that we know the signs and what to do when they occur. And don’t think you’re safe if you are under 50. Women under 50 are more likely to die during a heart attack than males of the same age.
As is the case with many medical conditions, black women tend to fare far more worse than our white counterparts when it comes to heart disease, because on average we tend to have higher blood pressures than white women. A bad heart condition also can be exacerbated by a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet; a sedentary lifestyle; obesity; diabetes; and stress. Cigarette smoking is one of the greatest risk factors because it puts an extra strain on the heart. Fortunately, though, these factors can be controlled or changed.
When it comes to prevention, however, women tend to be less concerned about heart disease than other health problems. Too often, women tend not to want to discuss the subject, probably feeling that it carries a stigma of “being old” or not in control of their health. And let’s face it, the subject of heart attacks is a scary one because of the possible outcome. But prevention is the most important thing we can do to save ourselves, and talking about the subject is the least we can do.
First of all, what leads to a heart attack? In a simple explanation, when cholesterol-laden deposits of cells known as plaque build up inside arteries supplying oxygen-bearing blood to the heart, the arteries can narrow. When the artery becomes totally blocked, a clot can suddenly burst and a heart attack ensue.
Now, what do you do if you have the symptoms of a heart attack? The most important thing not to do is deny what you’re feeling. Too many times, we try to self-diagnose because we are afraid to face the truth. But denial can kill. Call 911 immediately. Leave the phone off the hook so that the operator can trace your address even if you pass out. Don’t let embarrassment stop you. Even if what you’re experiencing is not a heart attack, erring on the side of caution cannot hurt you. Erring against your health will.
Once you arrive at the the emergency room, impress upon the emergency attendants (if you are able to talk) that you believe you are having a heart attack. Be firm, and don’t let them negate your concerns. Request a cardiologist; those immediately seen by a cardiologist have higher survival rates. Note that every moment saved also saves heart muscle that can be destroyed if immediate steps are not taken.
There are precautions to take before you ever have to suffer a heart attack, but you must take these steps now. Don’t make assumptions that it could never happen to you. The life you save will be your own.
- Don’t smoke. If you smoke, you are two to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than a non-smoking woman and the risk increases with the number of cigarettes you smoke each day.
- Eat a low-fat diet.
- Exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity most days of the week. Walking briskly for at least 3 hours a week has been shown to reduce the risk of having a heart attack by 30 or 40 percent.).
- Watch your blood pressure and cholesterol (although you don’t want either of them in high numbers, you don’t want your "good" cholesterol, or HDL, at low levels (less than 35 mg/dl)) (See "Good Fats" in this issue).
- Note inherited risks to your doctor, especially if there is a family history of heart disease or diabetes.
- If you are approaching menopause, talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy.
Although some research has recommended an aspirin a day for men to prevent heart attacks, it is not clear whether this is recommended for women because of their increased risk for strokes.
To find out more about heart disease among women, go to the American Heart Association Women’s Website at www.women.americanheart.org or call at 1-888-my heart (1-888-694-3278).
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