Posted On: January 27, 2021
There’s more and more conversation around a woman’s heart health – and for good reason. While men are twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to women, heart disease is still the leading cause of death among women. And thanks to our busy lives, we may not realize (or want to admit) when we may be experiencing a heart attack.
It’s estimated that a heart attack strikes every 43 seconds in the U.S. Getting immediate medical attention is key to increasing your chances of recovering fully from a heart attack.
The first step to getting treatment is to understand the symptoms of a heart attack – and how those signs may differ among women compared to men.
Women are just as likely as men to experience chest pain, tightness or pressure in the chest during a heart attack. Common symptoms also include pain along the arms, back or neck, jaw or stomach.
However, women are more likely to experience more subtle symptoms of a heart attack, such as:
These symptoms can occur without chest pain or pressure, making it difficult for women to immediately realize they are having a heart attack. If you have any question or concern you may be experiencing a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Every emergency department doctor, nurse, and first responder will tell you the same thing – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
A healthy lifestyle – one that includes regular physical activity and a healthy diet – can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease. You can also take other steps to improve your heart health, including:
If you’re concerned about your cardiovascular health and your personal risk of heart attack — I am here to help. As part of the annual exam we offer members, we can discuss your lifestyle, health, and family history to determine your cardiovascular risk factors. We can also draw specialized genetic labs and perform an EKG if applicable. And then we can define personalized steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Leading the way in women's healthcare is renowned board-certified internal medicine doctor Dr. Eileen West. She has over 20 years of experience and is recognized for her expertise in menopause, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease prevention. Her excellence-driven compassionate approach, which is associated with the American College of Physicians, improves the lives of her patients by putting a strong emphasis on their overall well-being.
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Areas of Expertise: Women's Health, Menopause Management, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment.
Feeling overwhelmed lately? You’re not alone—constant stress can keep your body in “high alert,” and that’s a normal human response, not a personal failure. Joy grows through small, meaningful steps like grounding yourself, reconnecting with what matters most, and choosing simple, value-aligned actions each day. 💛 Read our blog for more tips: https://www.eileenwestmd.com/blog/finding-joy-and-when-stress-feels-overwhelming/ #findingjoyandmeaning #EileenWestMD
If holiday stress is creeping in, try a 5-minute reset: deep breathing, a short walk, or stepping away from the noise. Your nervous system deserves care too, especially this time of year. 🌿 Read our blog for more tips: https://www.eileenwestmd.com/blog/ask-the-expert-how-to-find-joy-in-your-holidays-and-learn-to-stress-less/ #selfcare #5minutereflection #EileenWestMD
A quick reminder that one of the simplest ways to stay healthy—especially during a busy holiday season—is right at your fingertips. Literally. Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after being out in public, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. Small habits like this make a big difference in keeping you and your loved ones well all winter long. ❄️🙌 #EileenWestMD
Join our Email Newsletter to get the latest and greatest tips on ways to maximize your health, invitations to educational events, and other practice news!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from Eileen West, MD and Associates.
