Heart Issues in Women Part 2

In the United States, more than 500,000 women die annually of heart disease or stroke. That makes cardiovascular disease the number one killer of women, and postmenopausal are at greater risk. They are as much as double the risk of younger women.

Cholesterol levels increase more rapidly in women over 50 which increases the risk of heart disease. Other factors include diet and smoking. An important fact to consider is that the risk of a heart attack decreases 24 hours after you quit smoking so if you smoke consider quitting. They should also minimize the amount of alcohol they drink plus they should control other health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Since 1900 cardiovascular disease has accounted for more deaths than any other group of causes or single cause of death in the US. Nearly 2,400 Americans die from cardiovascular disease each day. That is on the average of one death every thirty-six seconds.

While heart attacks are the number one killer, a stroke is the number three killer of women. Strokes are also the number one reason for long term disability in women. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. A stroke is often referred to as a “brain attack”. You can also have a “mini” stroke which, for a short time, means less blood gets to the brain than normal. You may or may not have signs, and they can last from a minute to a full day. A mini stroke can be a sign of a full stroke coming. Remember a stroke can happen fast and people usually have one or more symptoms.

Some of the signs of a stroke are

1. Weakness or numbness in body
2. Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
3. Dizziness or loss of balance
4. Confusion
5. Trouble talking
6. Bad headache with no know cause

Some women experience unique symptoms such as:

1. Hiccups
2. Sudden tiredness
3. Sudden chest pain
4. Feeling like you can not get enough air

Just remember, they can happen suddenly and are very different from a heart attack. Again, if you are experiencing, or have experienced any of these symptoms, see your family doctor, or call 911.