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Sunday, January 25, 2009

Women's Subtle Signs of Heart Disease

By Amber Danice

Heart disease symptoms differ among men and women. Men often have the "classic" symptoms we are all aware of, while women experience a much different and less noticeable set of symptoms.

Classic heart disease symptoms that have often been defined for both men and women include shortness of breath, sweating, and chest pain or pressure. Also, pain that radiates from the shoulders, to the neck, and to the arms, tightness in your chest, and heartburn or indigestion are also classic signs. Dizziness and short losses of consciousness can happen as well.

However, heart disease symptoms women experience can be very different, and much more sly. Not only do many women never realize they are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, but many end up having heart attacks without seemingly any warning at all.

Heart disease symptoms women can experience include fatigue and weakness, usually unexplained and unexpected. Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades that can easily be mistaken for sore or tight muscles is also a symptom reported among women, as is pain resembling gas or indigestion, dizziness, and possible nausea or vomiting. Recurring discomfort in the chest is also common, as well as a hard to shake sense of anxiety or doom.

Women can have these unusual symptoms for weeks, months, and sometimes years before the heart attack actually takes place. The National Institute of Health did a study and demonstrated that the majority of women realize that something isn't right before they have a heart attack. They are experiencing unusual symptoms such as fatigue, sleep upset, and shortness of breath, but they do not realize that these can be symptoms of heart disease. What's more, less than a third of all women ever experience chest pain, which has been long associated as a primary symptom of a heart attack.

What is disturbing about these heart disease symptoms that women tend to have is that they often go unnoticed and chalked up to common stresses, aches, and pains. This makes heart disease in women even more risky as medical attention may not be sought.

Being proactive when speaking to your doctor could be just the thing that saves your life. It is important to make sure you get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly each year, and request more tests that screen for heart disease if the risk runs in your family. Make sure you let your doctor know of any uncommon or unusual symptoms you may be experiencing.

Also remember to analyze your lifestyle and health. Monitor your diet and make sure that you are fueling your body with foods that will improve and sustain your health. If you smoke, quit as that is a leading cause of heart disease. And use moderate and consistent exercise to maintain a healthy weight. The heart disease symptoms women experience may be subtle, but they are very real and must never be taken lightly.

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