June 13, 2013

Heart Disease and Women--Symptoms, Risks


Heart disease affect more women than men


Heart disease kills more women every year than any other health condition.  The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that younger women (under age 55) without chest pain during a heart attack are more likely to die than men, because the diagnosis of heart attack is often delayed.  

Men reported chest pain more often than women


In a study of data on more than 1 million people, nearly 70% of men reported chest pain, compared to 58% of women.  When chest pain occurs, it feels like a ton of weight on the center or left side of the chest that usually last for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.  It can be a squeezing, fullness, pain, or heartburn or indigestion.  There may be sharp pain in one or both arms, the back, shoulders, neck, jaw or upper (above belly button) part of the stomach.  There may be sudden and severe shortness of breath at rest or with minimal physical activity.  There may be unexplained or excessive sweating that you know is not menopause.  The most common symptom is sudden or unusual tiredness or lack of energy that may last for days, including muscle weakness or tiredness that is not related to exercise.  This symptom is the easiest to ignore.  There may be sudden dizziness or light-headedness. There may be nausea, vomiting or indigestion, especially in combination with other symptoms. 


Risk factors for heart disease


Risk factors for women include high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and a family history of heart disease.  Since crushing chest pain doesn't always occur, awareness of these other symptoms leads to earlier treatment. If any of the severe symptoms occur and lasts for more than five minutes, emergency medical care is recommended. 

The earliest treatment may be the key to survival!  

The existence of periodontal (gum) disease has been correlated with a higher incidence of heart disease. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.