Are You at Risk?

Cardiovascular health is the biggest health care issue affecting women and families today. It is perhaps the most overlooked and misunderstood health risk in America.

It's about time you knew the facts. Heart disease is not just a men's problem. It's a far more serious problem for women.

FACT: Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in Hamilton County.

FACT: One out of every two Hamilton County women will die of heart disease.

FACT: Each year more women die from heart disease than men.

FACT: 85% of Hamilton County women between ages 40 and 70 are at risk for a heart attack.

FACT: Heart attack symptoms in women are more subtle than men's symptoms and therefore easier to overlook./p>

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

Risk factors of cardiovascular disease include:

• Increasing Age
• Heredity
• Gender
• Menopause
• Smoking
• High Blood Pressure
• High Blood Cholesterol
• Physical Inactivity
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Substance Abuse

There are many other factors, like depression, poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and infections, which can also put you at risk for heart problems. So, be kind to your heart. Talk to your doctor.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack in Women

Symptoms are milder. Typically without chest discomfort.

• Sudden onset of fatigue, weakness, body ache, or overall feeling of illness
• Constant indigestion or gas-like pain
• Nausea not relieved by antacids
• Dizziness or fainting
• Vomiting or mild, flu-like symptoms that worsens with activity
• Back discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades
• Sense of anxiety or impending doom

These symptoms are more pronounced in men, although they can occur in women.

• Pressure, squeezing, or stabbing pain in the center of the chest area
• Chest discomfort lasting more than a few minutes
• Pain spreading to shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms
• Pounding heart or change in heart rhythm
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Lightheadedness
• Clammy skin or paleness
• Unexplained weakness or fatigue