Free seminar Thursday, September 30, 2010: How Weight Affects Your Heart. Learn more.
Heart disease is not just a man's disease. In fact, cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 killer of women. More than 15,000 women die from cardiovascular disease each year in Michigan and more than 450,000 die each year nationally.
Meijer Heart Center has focused on women's No. 1 health problem since 2003, when we launched a heart disease program dedicated to women. It was the region's first initiative to measurably improve the heart health of West Michigan women. This program focuses on:
Educating physicians and clinical staff about the research findings on women and heart disease. It corrects misconceptions and increases awareness of risk factors, symptoms and treatment.
Educating women about the early warning signs. It teaches them how to recognize and reduce risk factors and make behavioral and lifestyle changes that lead to heart health. It also provides questions women should ask their doctor (see below). Watch presenter and attendee comments from the February 1, 2010 presentation "Getting to the Heart of the Matter: Women and Heart Disease.
In 2003, a survey of West Michigan women indicated that only 40 percent realized that heart disease was their greatest threat. Another survey in 2006 showed 50 percent of women realized that heart disease was their greatest health risk. Local, state and national efforts to increase awareness of heart disease in women are paying off, but much work remains.
Should I be taking a low-dose aspirin for heart attack prevention and treatment?
What are the warning signs of heart disease or a heart attack?
What should I do if I experience chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack?
Women's Warning Signs of Heart Attack
As a woman, your heart attack symptoms may differ from the usual warning signs seen in men. Heart disease often develops over time and you may not notice symptoms. Noticeable symptoms for women may include:
Chest discomfort, pressure, aching, tightness or pain
Pain spreading to the jaw, neck, shoulder or arm
Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades
Indigestion or gas-like pain or heartburn
Nausea or upset stomach
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Dizziness
Unexplained weakness or fatigue
Sense of impending doom
Incidence of Heart Disease in Women
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. In 2005, CVD killed over 450,000 women. All forms of cancer, including breast cancer, claim fewer women's lives.
More women than men die from cardiovascular disease each year.
Women are more likely than men to die from heart attacks within a few weeks.
64 percent of women who died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.
More women than men have angina (symptoms caused by heart disease).
More women suffer from a stroke each year than men.
Nearly one-third of American men and women have high blood pressure.
After age 64, more women than men have high blood pressure.
More women than men die from heart failure each year
More women than men have high total cholesterol levels (over 200 mg/dL)
White women tend to have higher LDL cholesterol levels than white men.
The Women's Healthy Heart Program is only one of a full range of services offered by Spectrum Health geared specifically to women. As a result of our experience as pioneers of minimally invasive procedures for gynecological disorders, our full range of Women's Health Services also provides many treatment and education options.
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