A Woman’s Perspective on Cardiovascular Emergencies
Heart attack awareness takes center stage in February, as it marks “Go Red for Women” Month, a national campaign by the American Heart Association dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease in women. Often called the “silent killer,” heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, yet it remains underdiagnosed and under-discussed. This initiative focuses on educating women about heart health, recognizing symptoms, and advocating for lifestyle changes to reduce risk. As we gear up for this important month, it’s important to understand the unique challenges women face when it comes to heart health—and how early intervention can save lives.
Why Are Women Underdiagnosed for Heart Issues?
Heart disease doesn’t always present the same way in women as it does in men, which contributes to the high rate of underdiagnosis.
- Atypical Symptoms: Women’s heart attack symptoms are often subtler, such as shortness of breath or back pain, which can be mistaken for less serious conditions (Mayo Clinic).
- Healthcare Bias: Studies reveal that women are less likely than men to be diagnosed with heart disease, even when presenting similar symptoms (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
- Delay in Seeking Care: Women frequently dismiss their symptoms as non-threatening, delaying critical medical attention (American Heart Association).
These factors create a dangerous gap in care that can have devastating consequences if not addressed.
Recognizing the Signs of a Heart Attack in Women
Understanding the symptoms of a heart attack can save lives. While chest pain is a well-known symptom in men, women often experience different or additional signs, including:
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest
- Pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, or back
- Shortness of breath, even without chest pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or lightheadedness
- Unexplained fatigue, sometimes extreme
- Sweating or cold sweats
When to Seek Help
If you experience any of these symptoms lasting more than a few minutes or if they come and go, it’s critical to call 911 immediately. For women with existing heart conditions or risk factors, even mild symptoms should prompt a visit to the emergency room.
The Alarming Statistics
The data around heart disease in women underscores the urgency of this issue:
- One in five women in the U.S. will die from heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
- Women account for nearly half of all heart disease deaths annually (American Heart Association).
- Only 56% of women recognize heart disease as their leading health threat (American Heart Association).
In Kingwood, raising awareness among women can empower the community to take proactive steps toward better heart health.
Steps to Promote Heart Health in Our Local Community
1. Community Education
Hosting heart health seminars or workshops can provide women with life-saving information. Elite Hospital Kingwood can play a key role by scheduling an event with a woman’s organization to offer a service such as free heart screenings and information sessions. Contact our Marketing Director to discuss the possibilities.
2. Social Media Advocacy
Sharing personal stories, infographics, and tips on social media can amplify awareness. Use hashtags like #GoRedForWomen to reach a broader audience.
3. Encourage Fitness
Organize walking groups on Kingwood’s Greenbelt Trails or promote local fitness classes. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy heart (American Heart Association).
4. Learn CPR
CPR can double or triple the chances of survival in a cardiac emergency. Elite Hospital Kingwood offers life-saving CPR training courses, making it accessible for residents to learn this essential skill (American Heart Association) Contact our Marketing Director for more information.
Living With Heart Disease: What Your Family and Caregivers Need to Know
For women with a known heart condition, a strong support system is critical. Here’s how families and caregivers can help:
- Keep Medical Records Handy: Maintain a list of medications, diagnoses, and emergency contacts.
- Know the Warning Signs: Educate family members on the unique symptoms of heart attack in women.
- Create a Safe Environment: Support heart-healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and stress management (Mayo Clinic).
- Practice Emergency Preparedness: Ensure family members know CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (American Heart Association).
Proactive Steps for Better Heart Health
Making small, consistent changes can have a big impact on heart health. Here are some tips:
- Eat Smart: Include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Cut back on salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
- Stay Active: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Even brisk walks in River Grove or East End Park can make a difference.
- Manage Stress: Techniques like yoga, meditation, or connecting with friends can reduce stress (American Heart Association).
- Get Screened Regularly: Visit your primary care provider for regular checkups.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking dramatically increases your risk of heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
The Life-Saving Power of CPR
Learning CPR can make the difference between life and death. Research shows that cardiac arrest victims are less likely to receive CPR in public, particularly if they are women.
Call to Action: Let’s “Go Red” for Women in Kingwood
As “Go Red” Month approaches, let’s prioritize women’s heart health. Whether it’s encouraging a loved one to schedule a checkup, learning CPR, or sharing educational resources, every action counts.
If you or someone you know experiences heart attack symptoms, don’t wait. Elite Hospital Kingwood is here for you with 24/7 emergency cardiac care, staffed by board-certified physicians and equipped with advanced diagnostic tools. Learn more about their services on the Cardiology Services Page.
Your heart health is in your hands. Take action this February and Go Red for Women.
Works Cited
American Heart Association. “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update.” American Heart Association, 2023, www.heart.org.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Women and Heart Disease.” CDC, 2023, www.cdc.gov.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Women and Heart Disease.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2023, www.hopkinsmedicine.org.
Mayo Clinic. “Heart Disease in Women: Understand Symptoms and Risk Factors.” Mayo Clinic, 2023, www.mayoclinic.org.