Since 2004, February has been designated as the month to bring awareness to heart disease in women. In the United States, heart disease is the number one cause of death for women. Every year, one in three women die from heart disease. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), heart disease can affect women of any age. In their fact sheet, the AHA indicates that among women 20 years and older, nearly 45% have some form of heart disease. This also affects pregnant women significantly, as less than half of the women entering pregnancy in the US have good heart health. Consequently, heart disease is the number one cause of death in new mothers and the cause of a third of maternal deaths.

Heart disease can cause heart attacks and strokes, both of which are life threatening events. Due to the seriousness of these events, it is important to know the warning signs and symptoms.

Heart Attack

Let’s begin with heart attacks, according to the AHA, women are more likely to experience multiple symptoms. They include:

• Chest pain, but not always
• Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
• Jaw, neck or upper back pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Cold sweat
• Indigestion
• Extreme fatigue

Women also experience symptoms differently than those identified in men. Many women report the chest pain feels more like pressure and/or tightness. If any of these symptoms are experienced, don’t wait! If something feels wrong seek help immediately!

Stroke

Now let’s talk about stroke. Stroke is the number three cause of death in women the U.S. It is also one of the leading causes of long-term disability. Women are at higher risk for stroke than men. Some of the factors that increase their risk include pregnancy, preeclampsia, birth control pills, hormone therapy, migraines with aura, and atrial fibrillation. It is essential that when women experience symptoms, they seek help immediately. Stroke symptoms can be mild and not initially noticed. This leads to delays in receiving treatment which can decrease the likelihood of successful recovery. Signs and symptoms of a stroke in women include:

• Numbness or weakness in face, arm or leg
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Vision problems
• Trouble walking or a lack of coordination or balance
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Disorientation, confusion, memory problems
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting

Prevention

Understand that even though heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, it is preventable. Heart disease and subsequent death can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes. Some lifestyle changes that can prevent death from heart disease include healthy eating, being active, weight loss/management, healthy sleep, blood pressure management, blood sugar management, lower cholesterol, and eliminating smoking. Additionally, knowing family history and discussing it with healthcare professionals is an important factor that can prevent deaths from heart disease.

The Go Red for Women site created by the AHA provides several helpful resources to aid in educating women and those who love them about heart disease and how to improve the heart health of women.

Over the next few weeks, more information for groups with the highest risk of heart attacks and strokes will be shared.