Heart disease in women
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the UK, with twice as many cases as breast cancer. Despite the high number of deaths, many women are unaware of the symptoms of a heart attack. We chatted to Dr Nighat Arif, Resident GP, BBC Breakfast & ITV's This Morning podcast on this topic. She stressed the importance of women recognising symptoms that are usually very different from men.
Symptoms of a heart attack in a female
* shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
* nausea, vomiting, cold sweats and fatigue which can be mistaken for other conditions such as anxiety,
indigestion or even menopause symptoms.
* Pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
* Pressure in the chest that goes away and comes back again.
Furthermore, studies have shown that women in the UK may be less likely to receive timely and appropriate care compared to men.
Of course, it is important for everyone to be aware of the risk factors for heart disease and take steps to prevent it. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, not smoking, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately - and speak to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Listen to our chat with Dr Arif on all podcast platforms or listen here.
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Buy Dr Arif's book The Knowledge: Your Guide to Female health-from menstruation to menopause.
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