February is Heart Month and for women, heart disease is the number one killer causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. More American women die from heart disease than from breast, ovarian, lung, uterine, and cervical cancers combined. The more we talk about heart disease, share the facts, and discuss ways to keep the heart healthy, the better chances women have in beating it!
Here’s what you need to know.
- ONLY one in five women believe heart disease is her greatest health threat.
- One in three women die of heart disease, while one in 31 die of breast cancer.
- One in three women has some form of heart disease.
- 64% of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.
- About 80% of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented.
How can heart disease be prevented?
- Not smoking
- Regular exercise and healthy diet
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Manage your stress
- Enact treatments for high blood pressure and cholesterol
If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 right away.
The most common symptoms of a heart attack in women include:
- Sudden chest pain
- Pain in one or both arms
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, shoulder, upper back, lower chest, or upper abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Sudden extreme fatigue