Women in Peril: Interesting Facts about Heart Disease
When it comes to women's health, there are some interesting facts about heart disease that you may not know. This condition was long touted as primarily a male problem, but research is suggesting that women face the same risks that men do in terms of this dangerous disease. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of women in this country today. This is why it is so important to learn the interesting facts about heart disease that include risk factors for women and how to recognize a heart attack.
Risk Factors
Some risk factors for heart disease can be controlled and others cannot. It is important to study these interesting facts about heart disease so that you can take control of your health where you can, and monitor your body closely when you can't. Risk factors that are out of your control include your age, gender and race. For example, women after menopause are much more likely to have symptoms of heart disease than those in their younger years of life. These are factors that you can do anything about, but you can monitor your heart and blood pressure more closely if you fall into the high risk categories.
Other risk factors can be reduced, and these include tobacco use, high cholesterol and blood pressure, diabetes, lack of physical activity and being overweight. If you fall into any of these risk categories, there are things that you can to do lower your risk. Daily exercise, a nutritious diet and medication can be used to get these factors under control. One of the interesting facts about heart disease is the fact that women seem to have a harder time finding room for exercise in their day. While men might work out at the office or stop at the gym before or after work, women have a greater challenge carving out that time for themselves. However, daily exercise is essential in a healthy cardiovascular system and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Another interesting fact about heart disease is that the symptoms of heart attack may be different in men and women. When women experience a heart attack, common symptoms might include lightheadedness, jaw or neck pain, abdominal discomfort and a sore back. These may be the types of symptoms that warrant a call to your doctor if they seem a little unusual and worsen with time.
While the focus of heart disease has been on men for many years, women are now getting attention for this condition as well. It is an interesting fact about heart disease that women are just as likely to die from a heart attack as men, but less likely to recognize the telltale symptoms as quickly. If you experience any of these more unusual symptoms, call your doctor right away. Quick action could save your life.
