4 Heart Attack Warning Signs (and Why Heart Disease is on the rise for Women)
- Zoe Lim
- Jun 3, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 1, 2021
In this article, I share the four reasons why women are more likely to suffer from a heart attack and the four warning signs you should look out for.
The recent 2021 Lancet Women and Cardiovascular Disease Commission Report found these Four Findings.
Finding #1 Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death among women worldwide. The global death rate is ten times that of breast cancer. It accounts for 35% of worldwide deaths of young women under the age of 55.
Finding #2 There is an increasing trend of young women suffering from heart attacks from 2010 to 2014. Worldwide, 31% of the hospitalization cases due to cardiovascular disease involved women who are under the age of 55.
Finding #3 They found that women are less likely to receive the correct treatment. This is due to two reasons. The first being a worldwide misconception that women are more protected than men when it comes to heart disease. Secondly, women are less open when visiting the doctor. Dr Carolyn Lam, one of the 17 experts who authored the commission report shares that men will be upfront and honest about the symptoms. Women, on the other hand, tend to brush the symptoms aside or try to explain it away as an effect of stress and anxiety. This has led to inadequate or incorrect treatment.
Finding #4 The report shows that there is growing evidence that female-specific factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. These factors include PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), high blood pressure, menopause as well as gestational hypertension during pregnancy.
Currently, there is a global lack of awareness and urgency surrounding women's heart health. In fact, it is an area of study that remains under-recognized and understudied, leading to insufficient data. Therefore experts recommend that the top priority for women would really be about prevention and the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Dr Caroline Lam recommends women to screen for cardiovascular disease early, especially those in the high-risk group, which includes women who smoke, women who suffer from high blood pressure and women who suffer from diabetes during pregnancy.
Here are four heart attack warning signs to look out.
Warning Sign 1: Chest Discomfort
Most heart attacks involve discomfort at the center of the chest for a few minutes and then it will go away and come back again. The sensation is like an uncomfortable pressure, a tightness of the chest as if someone is sitting on you.
Warning Sign 1: Discomfort in the upper body area
These areas include your neck, your shoulder, your back, your jaw, one or both arms.
Warning Sign 3: Shortness of breath
This is usually accompanied with the chest discomfort and occurs right before the chest discomfort starts.
Warning Sign 4: Other signs of discomfort that are irregular or abnormal
This includes nausea, light-headedness or even breaking out in cold sweat.
If you are experiencing these signs, do see a doctor immediately. Do also embark on a healthier lifestyle which includes a cleaner diet and exercising more. Prevention is better than cure.
Resources
Disclaimer:
This article provides general information and discussions about health and related topics. The information and other content provided in this video, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be constructed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek professional medical treatment.
Comments