According to the American Heart Association, the St. Louis region is among the worst areas in the country for women’s health. St. Louis ranks 37th among 38 large cities in deaths caused by heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking. Women and sometimes their physicians don’t recognize the seriousness of heart disease. Women tend to focus on breast cancer and their annual pap smears and many do not test their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels regularly. Here are some important factors for women to consider:
The Menopause Effect
Compared to men, many women before the age of menopause seem to be partly protected from coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. As women age, their risk of heart disease and stroke begins to rise and keeps rising. The reasons for the lower incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke in younger women aren't clear.
Recent results from clinical trials have shown that estrogen therapy alone or in combination with progestin does not protect from heart disease or stroke and may even be harmful. The American Heart Association does not advise women to take postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT, formerly called hormone replacement therapy or HRT) to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke.
10 Questions Women Need to Ask Their Physicians
- What are my risk factors for heart disease?
- Am I at risk for stroke?
- What are the warning signs of heart attack and stroke?
- What should I know about the effects of menopause on my health?
- Do I need to lose or gain weight for my health?
- What is a healthful eating plan for me?
- What kind of physical activity is right for me?
- What is my blood pressure? Is that healthy for my age?
- What is my cholesterol? Is that a healthy level?
- Based on my history and risk factors, what can I do to lower my risk of heart disease and stroke?
Women's Heart Attack Symptoms
It's vital to be able to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack.
- Chest discomfort, pressure, or burning
- Chest or abdominal discomfort or pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, arm, or jaw
- Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades *
- Shortness of breath *
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting *
- Indigestion or gas-like pain *
- Dizziness or fainting
- Unexplained weakness or fatigue
- Sense of impending doom
The symptoms with an asterisk (*) are more common in women than men.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial that you seek medical treatment immediately. Drugs and other treatments will be most beneficial with immediate treatment.