How Healthy Is Your Heart?
If you don’t know, it’s time to find out. Fact is, you may be at greater risk than you think. Take a minute to learn a few surprising truths. Think of it as an early holiday gift to your special someone—and yourself.
Because with heart disease, it’s what you don’t know that might hurt you.
Think women don’t get heart attacks? Think again. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women. Many women simply don’t believe they’re at risk, and if you’re one of them, that thinking could cost you your life. Watch this video from the American Heart Association. Remind you of anyone?
Think you know what causes heart disease? Think again. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, certain risk factors play a larger role in the development of heart disease for women than men. These include smoking, mental stress, depression, and rheumatological diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Think you’re too young to worry? Think again. If you have a family history of premature heart disease, a history of smoking, or diabetes, you could have a heart attack in your 40s or even your 30s according to the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI).
Think you know the symptoms of a heart attack? Think again. Sometimes heart attack symptoms can be subtle and confusing, especially in women. According to the Honor Society of Nursing (STTI), “a woman’s heart attack may not start with a sudden pain. Instead, the heart attack may start mildly or cause discomfort. A woman may feel uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain that may come and go. In addition, a woman with a heart attack may have shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.”
How much do you really know about heart disease? Find out now by taking our 20 Ways to Love Your Heart quiz.
Have you or a loved one suffered a heart scare? Share your story.
Join the largest health conversation in 140 characters or less! Tweet what you want to talk about to @SharecareNow and let’s start chatting!
File under: In the News
Contributor
Cathy Poley
Cathy Poley is a Senior Web Producer at Sharecare. She has managed web and video projects for companies such as Primedia, CNN.com and Turner Broadcasting. Not only is Cathy a Sharecare employee, but she is also an avid Sharecare user, finding that the Q&As she reads inspire her to make better decisions about her health.
« Previous Entry
The Garden of Youth: 3 Plants that Turn Back the Clock
The Garden of Youth: 3 Plants that Turn Back the Clock
Next Entry »
Healthy Holiday Travel Tips
Healthy Holiday Travel Tips
Comments
Leave a Reply
Visit Sharecare On
Share/Feeds
Recent Posts
@Sharecarenow on Twitter
-
SharecareNow: Are you getting too much sleep? WATCH this video and find out how much sleep is unhealthy: http://t.co/DGqPgXquRl
-
SharecareNow: FACT: Happy couples make 5 times more positive statements than negative statements about each other. #SCTip
-
SharecareNow: A recent study found about 16 percent of U.S. high school students are victims of cyberbullying. Learn to protect your kids:...
-
SharecareNow: Want a better cardio workout? Try these 4 steps from our chief science officer and fitness expert, Dr. Mike Clark: http://t.co/VeVe9Kxkjf
10 hours ago
Joni Lorenz
I’m scared. I have all the syptoms of a heart problem.ALL of them!!. I don’t have insurance. No one wll see me. What do i do?
Melanie Haiken
Great post, this is such an important subject. One study found that women who’d had heart attacks, looking back, noticed many subtle signs not usually mentioned such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and pain along the jaw, neck and shoulder.
Sharecare Administrator
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING OR HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF AN EMERGENCY INVOLVING IMMEDIATE DANGER OR PHYSICAL HARM TO YOU OR TO ANOTHER, PLEASE CALL 911 OR YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES. Please note that we cannot reply to all posts or e-mails sent to us or guarantee that your e-mail or post will be immediately read. We cannot always review every e-mail or post that we receive.
Here’s some additional information on what to do if you don’t have insurance: http://www.sharecare.com/question/no-insurance-contact
Irene
I’ve watched the Dr. Oz show this week on the topic, 5 warning signs of a heart attack for women. I have known for several months now that there was something seriously wrong with my heart. I have developed an irregular heart beat with progression of symptoms in which I have all 5 of the warning signs of a heart attack. A doctor has recently informed me that I have panic. I have never had panic in my life. My gut instinct has been telling me that there is something very dangerously wrong with my heart. I fear for my life as the symptoms worsens. I’ve read the book, “You The Smart Patient,” by Dr Oz and Dr Roizen. It mentions to find out who is the best doctor in the field and then go see that doctor, well Dr Oz is the best cardiologist. Also, I’ve watched Webcast: Connect with your doctor, Sharecare Live with Dr Oz. And it was mentioned that if you have an arrhythmia, ask a doctor to listen to you r heart. I am asking you Dr Oz, can you please listen to my heart.