With February designated as American Heart Month, our team at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway felt it was the perfect time to bring awareness to something often overlooked—the differences in heart attack symptoms between the genders. A heart attack doesn’t always cause symptoms like those shown in the movies. In fact, while men might have the “elephant on the chest” feeling, women may not feel any chest pain at all. That’s why our team wants to bring to light some symptoms to watch out for to best protect yourself and your heart.

How Many People Experience Heart Disease?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 610,000 Americans die of heart disease each year, which makes it the leading cause of death for both men and women. Fortunately, through a balanced diet, regular exercise and other healthy habits, you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease and conditions like heart attack and stroke.

Ways to Protect the Heart

• Eat a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables.
• Get regular exercise.
• Maintain normal blood pressure.
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes.
• Reduce stress.
• Stop smoking.

Understanding Heart Attack Symptoms

Heart attacks may be one of the most well-recognized heart-related conditions. While chest pain is associated most with heart attacks, other symptoms are also common, particularly in women.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

• Cold sweat
• Discomfort in one or both arms
• Fullness in chest
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Pain in the back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Extreme fatigue

When was the last time you received a wellness check? Now’s the time! Visit the AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team today.