More women die from heart disease than any other cause, including breast cancer.  Yet many women are not aware of the signs of a heart attack, which can differ greatly from the symptoms men experience.

The Adventist Heart & Vascular Institute is committed to educating women about their risk and helping them reduce the chances of having a heart attack.

Are You at Risk?

The more risk factors a woman has, the greater her risk for heart attack and stroke.  There are some risk factors you can’t control, like age (risk increases with age), sex (men have a greater risk earlier in life) and heredity.

There are risk factors you CAN control which can drastically lower your chances of experiencing heart disease and stroke.  The American Heart Association has identified several factors that you can modify, treat or control to lower your risk.

• Smoking: Smokers' risk of developing  coronary heart disease is 2-4 times that of nonsmokers.
• High Cholesterol: High levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol increase risk.
• Diabetes: Women with diabetes have a two to six times the risk of heart disease, with even more risk if other risk factors apply.
• High Blood Pressure
• Obesity:  Adds to additional health problems that increase risk, especially if a lot of fat is at the waistline.

It’s important to learn your risk of developing heart disease.  Learn more about our low-cost Heart Score program, which includes a cholesterol check, EKG test and a private consultation to assess your overall risk.  

Know the Signs and Symptoms

Along with the classic symptoms, uncomfortable pressure or pain in the chest; pain in the shoulders, neck or arms; nausea; shortness of breath; breaking out in a cold sweat or lightheadedness can all be signs of a heart attack. Women may also experience other less common warning signs such as:

• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, often without chest pain of any kind
• Unexplained anxiety, fatigue or weakness
• Cold sweat, palpitations or paleness

Women often find it hard to believe they are having a heart attack. If you or someone you care about are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.