Heart Attacks in Women

            As a woman what puts me at risk of having a heart attack? First you should know your family history, such as has your parents or grandparents suffered a heart attack? Do they suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure? How about your siblings, do any of them suffer from any of the above-mentioned aliments? If you answered even yes to one question, then you are at risk for a heart attack and should mention this to your doctor.

            Usually they will run a basic EKG, check your blood pressure and if all looks good, your doctor will tell you this, and tell you to take care of yourself. At this point eating the right foods is very important, stay away from fried foods, red meet and high fat foods. 

            If you show signs of heart disease, your doctor will make some suggestions to change your diet, and draw some blood to check for cholesterol. Depending on the results of this test will determine if your doctor feels you need medication to lower you cholesterol. Your doctor will probably want to see you in about 6-8 weeks to draw more blood and check your blood pressure, if he finds no change, then he will place you on medication to lower you blood pressure and another medication for your cholesterol.

Diet and exercise can make a difference, if your committed to taking action, it has been proven that proper diets low in salt, fat, red meat, along with exercise can help lower both your cholesterol and blood pressure.

            Many women feel heart disease is a man’s disease, but I believe with more women in the work force along with raising children has caused the rise in heart attacks in women, so it is up to you to know the symptoms.  For women the symptoms usually begin slowly, a little pressure in there chest with the discomfort going down their arm; it is at this time many realize that perhaps they should seek medical attention. If you suffer from diabetes the chances of you having a “quick” heart attack, or a “silent” heart attack is more common, they usually don’t realize it, but it happens and the attack causes damage.