Do You Know if Your Heart is Healthy?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It claims more lives each year than all types of cancer combined. Still, many people think heart disease mostly affects older men. The truth is a woman dies from heart disease every 80 seconds in the U.S.
Heart Disease Can Look Different in Women
Women often have different symptoms of heart disease than men. While chest pain is still the most common symptom, women may experience less obvious signs such as:
- Unexplained anxiety or lightheadedness
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Heart flutters or palpitations
- Cold sweats or looking pale
- Stomach or abdominal pain
These symptoms can be mistaken for less serious conditions or even stress. That’s why many women wait too long to get help, which can lead to serious problems.
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Know When to Call 911
Both men and women should call 911 right away if they or someone nearby has:
- A nagging ache or discomfort in the chest
- Pain in the jaw, neck, back, stomach or arms
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or dizziness
Heart Screenings Can Save Lives
Checking your heart health early can prevent major problems later. Primary care providers may perform heart screenings during regular routine appointments. A heart screening looks at a wide range of risk factors, including:
- Cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL and triglycerides)
- Blood sugar
- Blood pressure
- Pulse (heart rate and rhythm)
- Height, weight, BMI and waist/hip size
- Signs of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that raise heart disease risk
After a screening, your doctor will:
- Review your results with you
- Help you set goals
- Provide tips on how to stay heart-healthy
If your test results aren’t perfect, it doesn’t mean you will get heart disease. In fact, it means you have a chance to start making healthy changes now.
Your Heart Matters
Whether you’re a man or a woman, heart disease can affect anyone. Taking time to learn your risk, know your family history and get regular screenings can save your life or the life of someone you love. Bronson is here to help you stay heart healthy. Prevention starts with knowledge.
The Bronson Heart & Vascular team is committed to heart and vascular disease prevention and sharing easy steps you can take to live a healthier life. Looking for a Bronson doctor to help you? For a complete list of providers at Bronson, visit bronsonhealth.com/find-a-doctor or call Bronson HealthAnswers at (269) 341-7723.
