Many are aware that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women worldwide (Alexander, LaRosa, Bader, Garfield & Alexander, 2010). Despite advances in technology and increasing knowledge, many disparities exist between the manifestation of heart disease amongst women versus men. Research has shown women to be affected with heart disease at later stages than men (Brower, 2002). I believe this may be related to a delayed response to early symptoms. Female symptoms related to heart attacks are frequently different from those of men, which makes the condition difficult to diagnose. Classic symptoms found in men such as chest pain, shoulder pain and shortness of breath are accompanied by nausea, fatigue and dizziness in women (Medline Plus, 2010). Furthermore, many women may delay going to the doctor in response to certain health stressors due to other familial obligations or lack of knowledge regarding these warning signs.
According to Medline Plus (2010) women admitted for a heart attack die at higher rates than men admitted for the same condition. Women also have higher risk of complications following a heart attack versus men (Brower, 2002). Due to these disparities, it is important for women to understand early warning signs and risk factors associated with heart disease. The key to reducing the overwhelming effects of heart disease on womens health is education. It is never too early to start protecting our hearts by becoming aware of those things that put us at risk the most. I'd like to think that a smarter mind makes a stronger heart.
References:
Alexander, L., LaRosa, J., Bader, H., Garfield, S. & Alexander, W. (2010). New dimensions in womens health, (5th Ed.). Sudbury, MA.: Jones and Bartlett Publishers
Brower, V. (2002). Sex matters. Retrieved on November 5, 2010 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1307609/
Medline Plus. (2010). Heart disease and women. Retrieved on November 2, 2010 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007188.htm
cardiovascular disease is something we all need to really care about and so many people don’t . people really need to start eating right and working out more people always say mimi why you always eat so healthy I tell them I have to so I can feel good inside.
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