It is common myth that only men suffer from heart disease. But in truth the biggest health problem facing by women are heart diseases.

Risk factor of heart disease in women

• Heart diseases are increased in Diabetes.
• Menopause.
• Smoking.
• Physical inactivity.
• High blood pressure.
• Obesity.
• Stress.
• Women on oral contraceptives or hormone therapy more long time.
  

Symptoms of heart attack

• Angina pain:

                       - Sudden discomfort or pain which is not relieved by rest.
                       - Pain may be in chest, neck, jaw, shoulder, back or arms.
                       - Pain like burning, squeezing, heaviness, tightness or pressure.

• Chest pain on exertion and goes away by taking rest.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Nausea, indigestion or vomiting.
• Excessive sweating.
• Chest pain radiation to left arm, neck, jaw or shoulder.
• Sometimes it manifest as back pain.
  

Diagnosis of heart attack

• Electrocardiogram.
• Treadmill test or stress test.
• Echocardiogram.
• Angiogram.
• Lipid profile.
• Cardiac enzymes like Ckmb
• Lifestyle changes to prevent heart attacks in women
• Regular exercises like walking, jogging, swimming.
• Involving in some sports.
• Eating healthy and balanced diet.
• Avoid oily, fatty foods.
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Avoiding stress by practicing yoga and meditation.
• Taking proper medications if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol.
• Regular medical check-ups.
• Maintain ideal weight. If you are overweight lose excess weight.
• Avoid stress.
• Get enough sleep.
  

What to do if you have signs of heart attack

• Immediately rush to the hospital. They may give you medications for pain and other supportive measures. Anti-thrombolytics are given to dissolve the clots. Pain killer s like morphine or pethidine are given for decreasing the pain. The drugs which will increase the circulation to the heart are given.
• Sedatives can be given to decrease anxiety.
• If there is block, angioplasty or bypass surgery may be suggested.