3 Blood Pressure Red Flags Women Should Watch Out For
Posted by Dr. Della Parker on February 5, 2018
Thinking that hypertension is somehow more dangerous to men than it is to women is a dangerous mistake that nearly one-third of all woman make. Heart disease will result in the deaths of 1-in 3 women this year, approximately one woman every minute. But it doesn’t affect all women alike, African American women have an estimated 40% chance of having heart disease or stroke, while Hispanic women have a 30% likelihood of having heart disease or stroke. Median values for varied studies regarding women’s attitudes about their heart health placed cardiovascular diseases as “not the biggest threat to their lives.”
Most of the information provided to the public in regards to cardiac episodes reference symptoms commonly experienced by men. Women can experience much more negligible symptoms such as abdominal pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and faintness. The facts are that all women are susceptible to cardiovascular diseases and should consider these three warning signs of a cardiac episode:
- Neck, jaw, and shoulder pain
- Pain in both arms
- Mild tightness or pressure in the chest area
If you experience these symptoms or think you’re having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately.
This year, make your heart health a priority. Contact Dr. Della Parker for an evaluation today or call 503-344-6631.