|
Did you know that women often experience heart attack symptoms in a different way to men?
A heart attack was never in the forefront of my mind when I considered my health and any risks I may have. I felt healthy and robust and really thought that it's diseases like cancer that eventually might get us in the end! Having a heart attack at 45 was quite an unbelievable thing to have happen to me. It's a surreal event that will be with me forever.
I have recovered well, but along the way it took its toll on me physically and emotionally. I have now learned to keep my stress levels under control, because when you look at it logically no amount of stress is worth having another heart attack. I have moved on with my life but there is still that worry that creeps into my thoughts - will I have another heart attack? That is the big question; but no one has a crystal ball to answer such a question. I just have to continue doing all the right things, take care of myself, take my medication, keep exercising, eat a healthy diet, the list goes on.
The past year has been a time of real reflection for me and looking back over the years I can see now I always had a laid back attitude to my health, perhaps too laid back. Although I have always been active, my weight has gone up and down a bit. I have sometimes been neglectful of exercise, using the good old "I'll start on Monday" routine, but then Monday comes and goes and no gym action! It's a very different story now as exercise has become such a major part of my life, an investment in my ongoing good health. I'm more aware of my food choices and look forward to eating a healthy nutritious meal. I still really enjoy a weekly treat of chocolate or a small cake but it's all about moderation these days!
My health has to be the highest priority in my life. No one else can do it for me; it's up to me to take care of myself. It has taken something as big and scary as a heart attack for me to really appreciate how fragile and precious my life is and this is something I will never forget. One of the things that really stuck with me when I was reading up on heart attacks was that women often experience heart attack symptoms in a different way to men, I didn't know this, but I do now!
Every year so many women die as the result of a heart attack or other heart disease related health issues. We are more likely to have symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and anxiety, which is how I felt when I first started to feel unwell on the morning of my heart attack. You could be forgiven for thinking that you were getting the flu. Some other symptoms include:
Chest pain which can also include back pain and/or deep aching or throbbing in one or both arms. I had crushing pain right in the middle of my chest, down my left arm and jaw
Breathlessness, feeling like you want to hyperventilate because you can't catch your breathe
Light-headedness or fainting
Feeling really nervous for no reason that you can explain, feelings of thinking that something bad is going to happen and being extremely tired
Fluid retention and swelling usually of the ankles or lower legs
Fluttering, like a little bird is flapping it's wings on your chest, racing heartbeat and heart palpitations
Stomach upset
Feeling sweaty and clammy, looking pale
For me, the chest, arm and jaw pain didn't start to happen until well after I started to feel sick and nauseous, it was a gradual thing, which was why I was so surprised when I was told what was actually happening to me. My Cardiologist told me this is why women often delay in getting to hospital because they think it's nothing to worry about, but by the time they feel really unwell and get to hospital there is already a lot of heart muscle damage that has been done, this is a very scary thing.
For all women, choosing a healthy lifestyle is extremely important. Remember, heart disease is a woman's greatest health threat. Adopting heart healthy habits can add years to your life, vital, active years. Making healthy changes in your daily habits will give you more energy and stamina to enjoy the people and activities you love. If you smoke, quitting will be one of the best things you can do. Eat a healthy diet and doing 30 minutes exercise most days of the week will be of great benefit to you. And once you get started, keep it up. Taking steps to prevent and control heart disease is your commitment to yourself to be in charge of our own health. The reward of a healthy heart is a better chance for a longer, more vigorous life and I can tell you its well worth the effort!
Article presented by, Wallace Robinson a 'Freelance Article Writer'
Source:
Leanne Sexton and how having a heart attack changed her life. She wrote a book about her journey, it's over 250 pages of information on all you need to know about heart health and how to make crucial lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease and heart problems. You will learn how your heart works and all about keeping it healthy! Check it out here:
http://tinyurl.com/Oh-My-Heart
Your doctor, Cardiologist, Heart Foundations around the world, the World Health Organization and Government health initiatives all talk about the dangers of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stress, limited exercise, bad diet and bad lifestyle choices. You can easily get back on the right road to positive choices making everyday life more enjoyable and feel great and be in control of your health. Learn how your heart works and all about keeping it healthy! Check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/Oh-My-Heart
Related Articles -
heart attack signs, heart attack symptoms in women, mild heart attack, silent heart attack, what is a heart attack,
|
