Feeling short of breath? Unusual anxiety or emotional stress? Nausea or vomiting? Pay attention to what your body may be telling you.
I think most of us have assumed or been told what the signs of a heart attack are. We often associate the symptoms of a heart attack with a tight squeezing in the chest, and pain in the left arm. At least that is what I always had understood the signs to be. But medical experts have revealed that a heart attack, especially in women, does not always follow the “classic signs” of what a heart attack may look like.
It’s time that we got to know our bodies more!
According to Good Health News, a small health publication, the signs that were most reported by women as having occurred before a heart attack were:
- Anxiety or emotional stress
- Light-headedness, dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Upper back or chest pressure/pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the neck, arms, jaw, or stomach
- Unexplained or unusual fatigue
- Sweating or anxiety
Did you know that heart disease accounts for more deaths amongst North American women more than all forms of cancer combined? Or that nearly 65% of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease showed no symptoms?
Do you have diabetes? You may not have any symptoms or even just very mild ones, but your condition can be just as serious.
Often men report no advance symptoms at all, and noted the following at the onset of a heart attack:
- Cold sweat or nausea
- Chest pressure or pain
- Pain in the neck, arms or stomach
- Shortness of breath
It’s in your power to improve your health before it is too late.
If you are not already eating a well balanced, whole food diet, start making steps toward eating right. Got stress? Do what you can to minimalize it. We cannot always get rid of stress completely, but if you are in a high-stress job or living situation, balance that out with time to exercise, wind down and read a book, or take a long walk. Whatever you can do to help release some of the tension and stress.
Stay away from fast foods as much as possible, and of course lower your intake of sugar and hydrogenated fats. By taking the time to prepare your own meals, knowing exactly what is being added to your foods, you can help ensure healthy eating.
Not enough time to prepare healthy meals? Something new to Prince George is an outfit called Hello Fresh. They put together healthy ingredients in planned and pre-prepared meals delivered to you. All you need to do is cook them. Need help around the home?
Eating healthier and incorporating light, regular exercise is the best bet to ensure better health. Why not start today?
