NEWS OVERVIEW:
Heart attacks are not just a “man’s disease” — cardiovascular disease kills 1 in 5 women and symptoms can look different than expected. Immediate action and awareness of unique risks are essential.
Some details for the context:
- More than 60 million women in the U.S. live with cardiovascular disease, and women experience diverse symptoms beyond chest pain.
- The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” includes healthy eating, quitting tobacco, and managing blood pressure as prevention steps.
- Women face unique risk factors like autoimmune conditions, pregnancy complications, menopause symptoms, and depression.
- Symptoms such as back pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness are common and may be misinterpreted.
- Experts stress calling 911 without delay if heart attack symptoms are suspected to reduce deadly outcomes.