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For women, signs of heart disease often evade early detection. Blockages in smaller arteries can lead to subtler symptoms which are easily overlooked.
Warning
Chest pain, pressure and discomfort are symptoms most commonly associated with heart disease in women. Seek medical attention if experiencing these symptoms, which can precede stroke or heart attack.
Symptoms
Women are just as likely to experience lesser-known symptoms of heart disease, like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, sweating and insomnia. Neck, shoulder and upper back pain sometimes develop in the weeks, months or even years prior to a heart attack.
Causes
Women with high stress levels, excess abdominal fat, hypertension, high blood sugar and high cholesterol are more likely to suffer from heart disease. Smoking, depression and low estrogen levels elevate risk.
Expert Insight
According to the Mayo Clinic, heart disease claims more lives annually than cancer. More women die yearly from heart disease than men.
Prevention/Solution
To reduce the probability of heart disease, maintain a low-fat diet and aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Consider taking fish oil supplements. According to the American Heart Association, omega-3 fatty acids have benefits for healthy people and for those who have cardiovascular disease or are at high risk of getting it.
Source:
Mayo Clinic: Heart disease in women: Understand symptoms and risk factors
University of Maryland Medical Center: Heart Disease and Women
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