Hidden Signs of Heart Attack in Women
Did you know that a woman has a greater chance of dying from a heart attack than from all forms of cancer combined? Or that more women die from heart disease than men?(1)
If this is news to you, you’re not alone. Heart disease has a history of being perceived as a “man’s” issue, even by doctors, despite the statistics showing its significant threat to women.(2) This lack of awareness on the part of the public and the medical community places women at even higher risk for heart disease and death because nobody suspects it when it hits!
HEART DISEASE FACTS AND FIGURES
- About 735,000 Americans annually have a heart attack.
- Heart disease is the #1 worldwide cause of death with 17.3 million deaths annually
- In the US, heart disease is the leading cause of death of women
- 43.8 million women are currently living with some form of heart disease
WHAT IS A HEART ATTACK?
A heart attack is a damage to an area of your heart deprived of oxygen. Its most common cause is a blockage by a fatty substance called “plaque” in the coronary arteries, the vessels responsible for carrying nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood back to the heart.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK THAT MAY BE EASY TO MISS
1. UNUSUAL FATIGUE
Be on the lookout for fatigue that is new or suddenly severe. A feeling of heaviness in your chest that accompanies fatigue can be an early warning as well.
2. SWEATING AND SHORTNESS OF BREATH.
Take notice if you experience these symptoms while resting or if they continue to get worse after exercise. If these symptoms are experienced along with other symptoms like chest pain, get to the doctor.
3. PAIN IN AREAS OTHER THAN THE CHEST
Pain is a signal to let you know that something isn’t quite right, but it doesn’t always show itself in the exact location of the real problem. Jaw pain, back pain or pain in either arm could be an early warning of a heart attack.
SYMPTOMS COMMON TO WOMEN AT THE TIME OF A HEART ATTACK
- A feeling of squeezing or fullness in any area of the chest
- Pain in the arm(s), neck, back, or jaw that is gradual or sudden, starting mild or immediately severe
- Stomach pain or pressure
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath or lightheadedness
9 TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF HEART ATTACK
The health of your coronary arteries plays a huge role in heart attack risk. Your arteries can become damaged by toxins and inflammation, creating an environment where plaque can build up, and deadly clots can form. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
1. TAME THE INFLAMMATION WITH CURCUMIN
High levels of inflammation are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack.(6) Supplement with Curcumin, the compound that gives the Indian spice, Turmeric, its yellow color. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory that has also been found to reduce plaque buildup in the arteries.(7)
2. EASY ON THE SUGAR!
A 2014 study suggests that those who consume between 10% and 24% of their daily calories from added sugar have a 30% higher risk of death by cardiovascular disease.(8) Sugar consumption also lowers good (HDL) cholesterol and increases triglycerides, upping your risk for heart attack.(9)
3. COMBAT OXIDATIVE STRESS WITH VITAMIN C AND FISH OIL
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that will protect your arteries from damage. Research suggests that you have a greater chance of dying from coronary artery disease if you don’t have enough of this vitamin.(10) Add fish oil to your regimen for even more protection, as it will dilate your arteries, making it easier for blood to pass through.(11)
4. ADD VITAMIN D AND VITAMIN K TO YOUR HEALTH REGIMEN
For optimum protection from heart attacks, supplement with Vitamin D3 until your blood level is between 50-80 ng/mL.(12,13) And don’t forget Vitamin K (as K1, MK-4, and MK-&)! If you don’t have enough of this important nutrient, you’ll be at risk for calcification of the arteries and possible heart attacks.(14)
5. MODERATE EXERCISE
Studies show that women who participate in moderate daily exercise have a decreased risk of heart attacks compared to inactive women. However, those doing strenuous activity daily are at increased risk.(15) So don’t overdo!
6. MEDITATE
A 2012 study found that meditation significantly reduced the risk of death, heart attack, and stroke in coronary heart disease patients. That’s not surprising since meditation alleviates stress and lowers blood pressure!(16)
7. EAT YOUR FRUITS AND VEGGIES!
Eating more than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day lowers your risk for coronary heart disease by about 20 percent compared to eating less than 3 servings daily.(17)
8. STOP SMOKING
Smoking increases levels of fibrinogen – a protein in the blood that raises your risk of dangerous blood clots and heart attack. The good news is that, once you quit, fibrinogen levels go down immediately and are back to normal within 2-3 years.(18,19)
9. EAT GARLIC
Garlic is known to lower blood pressure (the force of your blood against the artery walls) which reduces your risk of heart attack. If you don’t like garlic or can’t risk bad breathe, opt for garlic supplements. Doses of at least 480 mg daily seem to be the most effective.(20,21)
THE BOTTOM LINE
Millions of women are affected by heart disease. The good news is that you have quite a bit of control over whether or not you will be one of those women. Through healthy lifestyle changes, a focus on eating fruits and vegetables, and the addition of heart-supportive nutrients to your health regimen, not only can you prevent a heart attack, but you can look and feel your best for years to come. Here’s a happy, healthy heart!
Source:http://theheartysoul.com