Friday, September 18, 2009

Women’s Symptoms for Heart Disease

Heart disease is on the increase among young men and women in the US as well as among those above 65 years of age. Obesity, lack of exercise, improper diet, stress are factors often held for heart disease in both the sexes. Women are also vulnerable to heart disease. Cardiovascular disease amounts to about 43% of death among women. Despite this, women do not consider heart disease as a major health risk.

Since women are also prone to heart disease, it is advisable for them to understand the symptoms of heart disease that afflicts them.
 
What are the symptoms of heart disease among women?

Menopause places women at risk of heart disease. Prior to menopause, the estrogen, a female hormone protects the heart by maintaining sufficient levels of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which protects the cardiovascular system. Estrogen also relaxes the artery muscles.

Symptoms of heart attack:

• Unusual fatigue.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Indigestion.
• Shortness of breath.
• Anxiety.
• Chest pain.
• Discomfort.
• Dizziness.
• Cold sweat.
• Irregular heart beat.
• Discomfort or pain in either one arm or in both arms.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

• Angina.
• Burning or hot sensation.
• Tenderness while touching.
• Nausea
• Vomiting.
• Shortness of breath.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Tingling.

Chronic Angina

• Aching.
• Burning.
• Sharp pain.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

• Severe leg pain.
• Increased fatigue.

Women need to take the health symptoms of heart disease seriously. If a woman suffers from any of these symptoms she needs to consult a doctor immediately.