Quick— what’s the number one killer of women in the United States?
Did you say breast cancer?
Breast cancer is certainly a threat to women’s health, and not one to be taken lightly by any means, as we have addressed in other blog posts.
But…coronary heart disease (CHD) still claims more women’s lives than any other single disease. It also alters many women’s lives forever. In fact, two-thirds of women who have a heart attack fail to make a full recovery. One in four women dies from CHD. More women than men die en route to a hospital while having a heart attack.
And while medicine has made great strides to help repair the hearts and lives of those who are affected by CHD, it’s best to prevent it all together. Take heed of these tips.
One unique concern with CHD for women is that of hormones, specifically estrogen.
Estrogen is considered heart protective when it is produced naturally by the ovaries in ovulating women. However, for women that take estrogen by artificial means (as hormone replacement therapy – HRT after menopause, or in oral contraceptives) the subject of its impact on your heart health is controversial. Make sure you thoroughly discuss this with your family physician or gynecologist—talk frankly about your family history, overall health, lifestyle and needs.
Women also experience different symptoms then men when having a heart attack. The typical “Hollywood heart attack” – sudden severe chest pain – is not that common. It’s important to know that symptoms in a woman are usually much more vague. Shortness of breath; breaking out in a cold sweat; pain in the back, neck, jaw or stomach and vomiting can be signs.
It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you feel like you or someone in your life is having a heart attack – call 9-1-1.
Let’s do what we can to fight the number one killer of women.