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Health & Fitness

Women's Heart Health Month: Do You Know the Signs of Heart Distress?

Every minute, a woman in this country dies of cardiovascular disease. So, during February, Women's Heart Health Month, we want to test your knowledge on this important topic.

Every minute, a woman in this country dies of cardiovascular disease.

February is Women’s Heart Health Month. You’ll likely see quite a bit of this message and its signifying color, Red during the next few weeks. Unfortunately, one of the largest obstacles in the way of heart health is knowledge. Too many women are not aware of the warning signs of a heart attack or other serious cardiovascular condition.

At the (UR) in Woodbury, we often see many patients who mistake heart attack symptoms for less serious conditions such as aging, influenza or even a reaction to something they ate. Because seconds count during a heart attack, the lack of knowledge truly is deadly, especially as we’re soon to enter into the very active spring and summer months.

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And, since heart disease is the No. 1 killer of BOTH men and women, education in this area could potentially save lives.

On that note, I’ve compiled a myth versus fact questionnaire to correct common misconceptions about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Take a moment to test your own knowledge:

Myth or Fact:

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Indigestion can be a symptom of a heart attack.

That is a fact! Other lesser-known signs of a heart attack include backache, indigestion, fatigue and more.

Myth or Fact:

No chest pain means it’s not a heart attack.

Myth. You don’t need to have chest pain to suffer from a heart attack.

Myth or Fact:

Men and women can feel very different symptoms during a heart attack.

Fact!

Men versus Women- Different Symptoms During a Heart Attack:

  • Right-side chest discomfort. 4.7 times more likely to be reported by men
  • Throat discomfort. 12 times more likely to be reported by women

Myth or Fact:

I should avoid exercise after a heart attack

Myth. As soon as possible get moving with a plan approved for you! Research shows that heart attack survivors who are regularly physically active and make other heart smart changes live longer than those who don’t! In fact, The American Heart Association recommends at least two and a half hours of moderate intensity physical activity each week.

How did you do? Don’t forget to consider heredity, diet, exercise and other risk factors when talking to your doctor about your heart health. And, don’t forget, knowledge is power when it comes to your health.

Dr. Gary Gosewisch is Emergency Medicine Specialist and CEO of the Urgency Room in Woodbury.

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