I have been hearing a lot about heart disease in women. The news is reporting that heart disease is the number one killer in women topping breast cancer. What bothers me, is they are also saying that the symptoms are so close to everyday problems we as women have, and are often overlooked. These symptoms are more commen in single parents, because we are dealing with more day to day stress than married women. The financial burden is more as well as taking on the responsibility of children on your own. It is no wonder we are stressed. Please read information to be informed of the symptoms and what to be aware of. Most of all, please be aware of your body and listen to it! I know I have experienced these symptoms frequently but just assume it is because of my daily stress. I think I will make a doctor's appointment just to be safe---- and you should too!
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Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
The most common symptom of coronary artery disease is angina, or chest pain. Angina can be described as a discomfort, heaviness, pressure, aching, burning, fullness, squeezing, or painful feeling in your chest. It can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Angina is usually felt in the chest, but may also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, throat, jaw, or back.
Other symptoms of coronary artery disease include:
*Shortness of breath
*Palpitations (irregular heart beats, skipped beats, or a "flip-flop" feeling in your chest)
*A faster heartbeat
*Weakness or dizziness
*Nausea
*Sweating
Symptoms of a Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction or MI)
Symptoms of a heart attack can include:
*Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest, arm, or below the breastbone
*Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat, or arm
*Fullness, indigestion, or choking feeling (may feel like heartburn)
*Sweating, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
*Extreme weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath
*Rapid or irregular heartbeats
During a heart attack, symptoms typically last 30 minutes or longer and are not relieved by rest or oral medications (medications taken by mouth). Initial symptoms can start as a mild discomfort that progresses to significant pain.
Some people have a heart attack without having any symptoms (a "silent" MI). A silent MI can occur among all people, though it occurs more often among diabetics.
If you think you are having a heart attack, DO NOT DELAY. Call for emergency help (dial 911 in most areas). Immediate treatment of a heart attack is very important to lessen the amount of damage to your heart.
Symptoms of Arrhythmias
When symptoms of arrhythmias, or an abnormal heart rhythm, are present, they may include:
*Palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats, fluttering or "flip-flops," or feeling that your heart is "running away").
*Pounding in your chest.
*Dizziness or feeling light-headed.
*Fainting.
*Shortness of breath.
*Chest discomfort.
*Weakness or fatigue (feeling very tired).
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of arrhythmia. Most people with AF experience one or more of the following symptoms:
*Heart palpitations (a sudden pounding, fluttering, or racing feeling in the heart).
*Lack of energy; tired.
*Dizziness (feeling faint or light-headed).
*Chest discomfort (pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest).
*Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing during activities of daily living).
*Some patients with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms. Sometimes these episodes are briefer.
