HealthAlliance Hospital Cardiac Center conducts screenings and public information forums on a regular basis. Our goal is to inform you of the causes and the treatment of heart disease. The more you know about heart disease, the better you’ll be prepared to prevent it.
We are happy to provide you with additional copies of this and other educational materials. We are also available to come to your organization and make a presentation about heart disease and your health.
Heart Disease and Women
Heart disease is the number one killer of women. Almost 500,000 women every year have a myocardial infarction (MI) – a heart attack. An unusually high number die from the attack. One of the reasons for such high mortality rates is that women who experience a heart attack may not have the same symptoms as men and it goes unrecognized.
The Symptoms of a Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction – MI)
Women who experience an MI often complain of pain in the back, neck, and epigastric region as well as nausea and loss of appetite. Women are also more likely to complain of weakness in the arms, shoulders and chest area.
Seeking treatment is an additional area of concern as women are more likely than men to delay seeking medical attention after the onset of initial symptoms, often because of family and social responsibilities.
Risk factors to consider:
- Family history
- Advancing age
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidema
- Excess body weight
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Race, particularly black women
- Cigarette smoking and/or tobacco use
Fact: Women typically experience a heart attack eight years later than men and are twice as likely to die after the attack than men.
If you have the above risk factors and exhibit any of the symptoms, consult your physician immediately.
Location
HealthAlliance Hospital
105 Mary's Avenue
Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: 845.338.2500
Get Directions »
SaveSave