Monday, August 25, 2014

Women and Heart Disease, or Are You Having a Little Heart Attack?



Preventative cardiology is a field where cardiologists like to make an intervention or after the heart ‘event’. I was lucky enough to hear a preventative cardiologist for women speak.

The video, ‘Just a Little Heart Attack’, is a must see for women.
Since women are usually the nurturers in the family, taking care of everyone else but themselves, this video is spot on!

The cardiologist gave several examples of women patients she has seen in her practice who have displayed one of the top symptoms of heart disease: Denial
Intuitively women know there is something wrong but……

An example she gave was of a woman who was having symptoms but the family was about to go on a family vacation and she didn’t want to ruin it by having a heart attack. The family made it to their destination and that night she called 911, but met them outside because she didn’t want to wake up her family! As a result she ended up in a hospital in a city she was unfamiliar and doctors she didn’t know.

Because men were studied first regarding heart attacks their symptoms were thought for years to be the same for women. Not really is the reality. Women will have symptoms of jaw pain, throat pain, fatigue and heartburn more than men.  

So here are modifiable factors to reduce your chance of becoming 1 out of 4 women to die of a ‘Heart Event’:

  • High Cholesterol
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Smoking
  • Abdominal Obesity
  • Nutrition
  • Lack of Exercise
  • Stress Management


Have you had your cholesterol tested or your blood pressure? Are you at risk?

18 comments:

Lois Alter Mark said...

So scary. That video speaks volumes about how women always put everyone else first.

Roz Warren said...

You've inspired me to get my cholesterol checked. Thanks.

Haralee said...

I know Lois, humor but reality!

Haralee said...

Thanks Roz, Go for it!

kim tackett said...

I've seen this video before. It's really powerful. Thanks for sharing it and reminding us to pay attention to ourselves!

Haralee said...

Thanks Kim, I think it is a great reminder.

Unknown said...

We do make light of the fact that this is a huge hidden issue for women but it is -- seen it first hand. Great info, great approach, and awesome message!

Haralee said...

Thanks for your comments. A heart attack is no laughing matter!

Carol Cassara said...

Women's mortality rates are higher because we don't recognize it...so this is a great service, Haralee.

Haralee said...

Thanks Carol. A heart attack is a heart attack, little or not!

SuzanneS said...

I have seen this video and it is soooo valuable! Women need to take control of their own health. I am so glad you shared this

Haralee said...

Thanks Suzanne, you are right, women need to take care of themselves too. When the cardiologist told her example of the woman not wanting to ruin her families' vacation, there were not many disbelief groans in the crowd.

Unknown said...

I have been teaching women's stdies for a couple of years and this is right up my alley. Thank you

Haralee said...

Yes it is why women think everyone comes before them. Denial is deep!

Rena said...

I had no idea these were the symptoms of a heart attack. I worry about getting Alzheimer's DiseaseI guess I better worry more about heart health! Thank you great eye opener.

Haralee said...

I know Rena, the throat pain was news to me!

Wendys Hat said...

Wow! Scary stuff. Staying on top of things is so important for all.

Haralee said...

You are so right Wendy, thanks for commenting!