Heart attack symptoms in women

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, with about 1 in every 5 female deaths linked to coronary heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

High blood pressure, high LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, diabetes and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. LDL is considered the “bad” cholesterol because having high levels can lead to buildup in your arteries and result in heart disease and stroke.

Even though heart disease has an often-deadly consequence among women in the United States, the symptoms often are mistaken as being linked to less life-threatening conditions such as the flu, acid reflux/heartburn or natural aging.

When is it time to call 9-1-1?

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, call 9-1-1 or get to a hospital as soon as possible:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom for both men and women. But other common symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain are somewhat more likely in women than men.

Straight from the heart – A proactive approach

Heart disease is preventable. Some smart choices to improve your heart health include:

• Quit smoking and cut your risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 50% in one year.
• Walk the walk. Start an exercise program such as a daily walk of 30 minute or longer.
• Watch that diet. Eat healthy.

Cucamonga Valley Medical Group encourages our patients to make an appointment to discuss your heart health or any other medical questions or concerns.