Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. In fact, this year alone nearly five times as many women will die from heart attacks than from breast cancer. Surprised? Unfortunately, this is nothing new, but still many women are unaware of the risk of a heart attack. The key to preventing or recognizing heart related issues is education – get familiar with the signs and symptoms and get screened regularly.
Heart attack symptoms are different in women then they are in men. The most common symptom in women who are experience a heart attack is some type of pain or discomfort in the chest. But, it’s not always severe and is often accompanied by other symptoms unrelated to chest pain such as shortness of breath, neck and shoulder pain, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness and fatigue. These symptoms are contrary to the typical ‘pain in the left arm and excruciating chest pressure’ that many people are taught to look out for.
In addition to your annual mammogram, a yearly cardiac risk assessment can help detect and/or prevent heart problems before they become life threatening. That’s why the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital is offering a free cardiac risk assessment to be performed during your mammogram appointment. It only takes 15 minutes and can provide you with important information that can help save your life.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the www.brrh.comor call 561.955.5000.
