The symptoms of heart attack in women are often different from men

Sweating, nausea, dizziness, and unusual fatigue may not sound like typical symptoms of a heart attack. However, they are common for women and may occur more often when resting or sleeping.

Unlike men, pain, pressure and discomfort in the chest are not always severe or even the most obvious symptoms of a heart attack in women. That's why women need to understand their particular symptoms.

"It's important to first identify the risk factors for developing heart disease and then focus on how to curb behaviors that may exacerbate that risk. Certain factors play a more important role in the development of heart disease in women than those considered traditional risks, such as high cholesterol, obesity and hypertension." Chatura Alur, a family doctor at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Women should also check thethe following risk factors to better prevent heart disease:

• Diabetes
  
• Mental stress and depression
  
• Smoking
  
• Sedentary

Certain conditions, including menopause, broken heart syndrome, and pregnancy complications may also increase a woman's risk for heart disease:

"Women of all ages should take heart disease seriously. Many women tend to downplay their symptoms and not seek care until heart damage has already occurred and a hospital visit becomes necessary. We want women to understand the importance of listening to their bodies, understanding what seems normal to them, and seeking care before symptoms become severe," says Dr. Alur.

Here are some facts you might not know about heart disease in women:

Heart disease affects women of all ages

The combination of birth control pills and smoking increases the risks of heart disease by 20% in young women. The risk also increases as women age. Overeating and sedentary lifestyle are factors that lead to blockage of the arteries over time. Don't let your age wander to you«with a false sense of security.

Heart disease isn't just about self-care

Unfortunately, no matter how many salads you eat and no matter how much yoga you do, you can't eliminate your risk of heart disease. Family history is often a factor.

Knowing your heart health numbers can help

Experts recommend starting to check your cholesterol at the age of 20 or even earlier if your family has a history of heart disease. It is also important to check your blood pressure regularly.

Women may have a heart attack without previous symptoms

Over 60% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.

When women experience symptoms of a heart attack, these signs are often misinterpreted. Women's symptoms are often unclear: shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Other women experience dizziness, pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, and excessive fatigue.

If something is wrong or seems unusual and wrong to you, don't delay in seeking medical attention!