Heart disease, not cancer, is the number one killer of American Women

Heart disease is a woman’s problem. It affects more women than all forms of cancer combined, including breast cancer. Untreated, heart disease leads to disability and a decreased quality of life. Fortunately, heart disease is largely preventable and certainly treatable.

Warning Signs for Heart Attack:

They’re Different for Women

In the movies, heart attacks are always sudden and intense. However, many heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often the people affected aren’t even sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. This can be especially true of women, because symptoms of a heart attack are different in women than in men. In addition to obvious signs like chest discomfort, discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, and breaking out in a cold sweat, women are just as likely to experience:

• nausea or stomach pain
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• breathing problems
• extreme fatigue

When in doubt, call your physician or call 911 and get to the emergency room immediately. Recent studies have confirmed that emergency angioplasty is the best way to treat a heart attack and it is worth traveling up to 60 minutes to come to a hospital like Doylestown that offers angioplasty.

Need a Heart Specialist?

Call 215-345-2121 or click on Find a Doctor to learn about the outstanding cardiologists affiliated with the Heart Center of Doylestown Hospital.