This is what the American Heart Association has to say:
Overview
More women die of cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. But 80 percent of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right choices for their hearts involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Make it your mission to learn all you can about heart attacks and stroke — don’t become a statistic. CALL 9-1-1
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die.
Signs of a Heart Attack:
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
- As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1...Get to a hospital right away.
Stroke
Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death in America. It’s also a major cause of severe, long-term disability. Stroke and TIA (transient ischemic attack) happen when a blood vessel feeding the brain gets clogged or bursts. The signs of a TIA are like a stroke, but usually last only a few minutes. If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help.
Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death in America. It’s also a major cause of severe, long-term disability. Stroke and TIA (transient ischemic attack) happen when a blood vessel feeding the brain gets clogged or bursts. The signs of a TIA are like a stroke, but usually last only a few minutes. If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help.
Call 9-1-1 to get help fast if you have any of these, but remember that not all of these warning signs occur in every stroke.
You can make lifestyle choices that can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Start by downloading the tips on the information sheets and links below. Give them to friends, coworkers and family. It's a quick and simple way to encourage others to make heart-healthy choices.
- Stop Smoking
- Transform Your Overall Health Through Small, Simple Choices
- Use the Go Red BetterU 12-week Program -- This free, online program provides information, inspiration and guidance to help today's busy women lead their own lives, only better. Sign up and join women like you who are committed to making healthier choices every day.
- Resistance Band Exercise Guide – Learn how to do simple exercises with a resistance band
- Improve your Diet and Nutrition
- Take the Heart CheckUp
- Talk with your Doctor
- Learn about Cholesterol
- Learn about High Blood Pressure
- Learn about Physical Activity and Weight Management
- Miscellaneous
- Tips for Your Children – Teaching your children heart-healthy habits can last them a lifetime.
MAKE EVERY DAY A GO RED DAY!
LOVE YOUR FAMILY,
LOVE YOUR FRIENDS,
LOVE YOUR HEART!!!
for more information, visit:
http://www.goredforwomen.org/about_heart_disease_and_stroke.aspx
for more information, visit:
http://www.goredforwomen.org/about_heart_disease_and_stroke.aspx
