Dearing W. Johns, MD -- Director
Many people think of heart disease as a man's illness, when in fact, heart disease is the number one killer of American women.
The good news is that many risk factors, such as weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking can be controlled. And more and more cases of heart disease are being successfully managed and treated as expertise grows and technology improves.
Dearing Johns, MD
There are many different forms of heart disease. Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, is caused by lack of blood flow to the heart. Warning signs include angina or chest pain, especially if lasting longer than 5 minutes, and accompanied by breathing difficulty, sweating or faintness. The chest pain or heaviness often radiates to the left arm, shoulder or jaw.
Hypertensive cardiovascular disease leads to strokes, heart failure, and even damage to the kidneys and eyes.
Women's Symptoms May Differ
Women often delay longer than men before seeking help, and are more likely than men to die from a heart attack. Women experiencing a heart attack may have symptoms that are uncommon, including:
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