Life-Saving Facts Every Woman Needs to Know About Heart Attacks

Let’s start this article with a very sobering fact that has sent a lot of women to an ER in Houston when they least expected to go: Women are three times more likely to die of a serious heart attack than men.

A Shocking Statistic Every Woman Should Read

A woman will die every minute in the U.S. from a heart attack. In fact, heart attacks are currently killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. While that statistic may cause you to scramble to search for an “urgent care near me” so you can be ready, you may also want to be aware of the signs of a heart attack in women.

The Symptoms of a Heart Attack in Women Are Not Like What’s Seen in the Movies for Men

Whether it’s on television or in the movies, the most common symptom of a heart attack in men is portrayed as a tightening in the chest. Unfortunately, studies show that only 50% of women who experience a heart attack will have this symptom as a warning sign. Instead, women report the following as more common:

• Back, neck, jaw or throat pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sudden, extreme fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained pain in the back, neck, jaw, or throat
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Cold sweat without a fever

The Silent Killer in Women

Because so many of the above symptoms can easily get passed off as little more than ageing, indigestion, acid reflux, or the flu, it’s possible for women to have a heart attack and not even know it. For women living alone, this can be especially problematic since they are quite common and can occur in women of any age.

What You Can Do Now

A suggestion to be proactive in preparation against a heart attack is to take measurable steps to reduce your risk – such as a healthy diet, not smoking, and increased exercise – as well as identifying an emergency room near you that can provide the cardiac care you need to get back on the road to optimum health.