Women’s Heart Health Month: Do You Know the Signs of Heart Distress? Dr. Kurt Belk ER physician and medical director of The Urgency Room in Eagan

          Every minute, a woman in this country dies of cardiovascular disease.

February is Women’s Heart Health Month. Unfortunately, one of the largest obstacles in the way of heart health is knowledge. Too many women are not aware of the warning signs of a heart attack or other serious cardiovascular conditions.

           Do you know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack? Now is the time to test your knowledge to protect yourself or other women in your life.

Take a moment to test your own knowledge: 

Myth or Fact

Young healthy people with good cholesterol levels do not have heart attacks.

Myth. While a young person with good cholesterol is less likely to suffer a heart attack, no one is immune. Many factors contribute to heart attack risk including genetics.

Myth or Fact: 

Indigestion is a symptom of a heart attack.

That is a fact! Other lesser-known signs of a heart attack include backache, and chills.

Myth or Fact: 

No chest pain means it’s not a heart attack.

Myth. You don’t need to have chest pain to suffer from a heart attack.

Myth or Fact:

Men and women can feel very different symptoms during a heart attack.

Fact!

Men versus Women- Different Symptoms During a Heart Attack:

• Right-side chest discomfort. 4.7 times more likely to be reported by men

• Throat discomfort. 12 times more likely to be reported by women

Myth or Fact:

A small heart attack is no big deal.

Not true. Even though a small heart attack isn't a big deal in terms of how well your heart can function, it's a huge warning sign that you could have a serious heart condition, and your next heart attack could be fatal.

I should avoid exercise after a heart attack

Myth. As soon as possible get moving with a plan approved for you! Research shows that heart attack survivors who are regularly physically active and make other heart smart changes live longer than those who don’t! In fact, The American Heart Association recommends at least two and a half hours of moderate intensity physical activity each week.

How did you do? Don’t forget to consider heredity, diet, exercise and other risk factors when talking to your doctor about your heart health. And, don’t forget, knowledge is power when it comes to your heart.