Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S. Understanding the symptoms of a heart attack and living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart disease and improve heart health.

Although the most common symptom for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort, women don’t always have chest pain and their symptoms aren’t as obvious. So, it’s important to know the warning signs for each. The American Heart Association lists the following symptoms for women and men.

Women’s Symptoms

Women are most at risk during middle age as their bodies change due to the transition into menopause. Often, women don’t associate these symptoms as signs of a heart attack and dismiss them or attribute them to heart burn or the flu.

  • Chest pain or discomfort, but not always
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Jaw, neck, or upper back pain
  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms
  • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
  • Breaking out in a cold sweat
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
  • Indigestion
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen

Men’s Symptoms

  • Squeezing chest pressure or pain
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Jaw, neck or upper back pain
  • Shortness of breath

Whether you are a man or woman, don’t wait. If you experience any of these symptoms, get help right away. Time is important when dealing with a heart attack. And don’t worry about bothering someone if you aren’t sure, better safe than sorry.

Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy

The good news is, we can lower our risk for heart disease and heart attacks. Here are some tips for taking care of your heart and improve your heart health:

  • Get annual check-ups
  • Exercise or do something active every day
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Don’t smoke – if you do and you’re ready to quit, we can help!
  • Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
  • Manage your stress
  • Educate yourself and know the symptoms
  • Learn CPR to help protect others

As a family medicine doctor, I know how important it is to take care of your heart. I talk to my patients about heart disease and knowing the symptoms, especially for women. There are simple things, like nutrition and exercise, that everyone can do to help prevent heart disease. If you have questions or concerns about your heart or to want to learn more about your personal risk for a heart attack, make an appointment with your provider.

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Dr. Matthew Haugen
Perham Health | Family Medicine