According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. In 2017, a report shows that almost 300,000 women died due to heart complications. Unfortunately, many think that heart disease is only common to men, but it significantly affects women.
Sadly, some heart disease symptoms aren’t pronounced when it comes to women. Therefore, more women suffer without knowing that they may be at risk. Here is a list of some heart disease symptoms and health risks you need to watch out for that may prompt you to see your primary care doctor immediately:
Heart disease symptoms on women
Heart disease is a more common cause of death in women than men because some symptoms differ for each gender. Some common and often overlooked symptoms are:
- Discomfort in the neck, jaw, abdominal, shoulders, or upper back
- Pain in an arm or both arms
- Nausea or vomiting with accompanied dizziness and lightheadedness
- Unusual fatigue
- Indigestion
Some women will only notice chest pains when there is already too much damage. These symptoms sometimes happen when women are at rest or are asleep. Should you feel any of these symptoms, it is best to contact your primary care doctor immediately.
Health risks in women that contribute to heart disease
Several diseases and conditions may contribute to the severity of heart diseases. Here are a few risk factors that are common among women:
- Diabetes – Women who have diabetes have an incredibly high-risk of getting heart problems. Diabetes has a way of changing the way you feel pain, so you may overlook common symptoms until the damage is too severe.
- Poor mental health – Stress and depression are huge factors because they affect the well-being of the patient, affecting their lifestyle.
- Pregnancy – Complications during pregnancy are considerable threats to a woman’s heart. Diabetes and high blood pressure can increase, giving you higher chances of getting heart disease.
These are only a few of the several health factors that can contribute to your risk of having heart diseases. Though that may sound scary, there are ways to help fight heart disease.
Heart disease prevention tips
Watch your diet
One of the reasons women suffer from heart disease is they don’t follow a healthy diet. Make sure you eat at least two servings of fruit every day to help control the amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals in your body. Limit salt, added sugars, and processed foods in your diet because these contribute to unhealthy blood sugar levels, increases blood pressure, and inflammation.
Develop a healthier lifestyle
Incorporating exercise and a healthy amount of sleep to your daily routine will help your body fight any health risks and improve your mental well-being. When you exercise, you enhance and strengthen your heart’s muscles and maintain a healthy weight. Because of regular exercise, your body will produce endorphins that can help fight mental slumps and decrease stress and anxiety.
Pay attention to your mental space
Stress and anxiety are huge factors that may give you heart complications. Ensuring that you always check your mental space can reduce your risk of heart disease and fight other mental illnesses. You can do this by setting boundaries, having self-care days, and seeking emotional support from friends, family, and therapists.
Conclusion
You put yourself at risk for heart diseases when you don’t listen and take care of your body. The best way to fight this disease is through prevention by starting to live a healthier lifestyle and getting treatments as soon as you feel specific symptoms. Being able to quickly spot signs and getting immediate medication and procedures from your primary care doctor will help decrease the chances of getting heart disease or allowing it to get worse.
Garden State Medical Group is a team of professional primary care doctors in North Bergen, New Jersey. We offer different programs, such as chronic care management, lung health program, memory and cognition care, and more. Set an appointment with us today!