In one of the most beloved children’s classic stories, a forlorn and tormented little duckling, ostracized for being different, grew to become the most beautiful creature of all: a swan. And it’s this image we want to bring to mind as we invite you to join us in celebrating Women’s Heart Health Month with our “IF She Were a SWAN…” challenge.
As with men, a woman’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain. But while some heart attacks are sudden and intense, most of them actually start slowly with mild discomfort. The National Institutes of Health notes that women often experience physical symptoms as long as a month or more before experiencing the actual heart attack. Additionally, women are somewhat more likely than men to experience and report some of the other less predictable symptoms. Use the letters in IF and SWAN to remember the additional symptoms to watch for which include:
- Indigestion
- unusual Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Weakness in the arms
- Anxiety
- Nausea/vomiting
Whether you are male or female, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and think it might possibly be a heart attack, even if you are not sure, it is important to seek medical help right away. A five-minute difference could save your life. Calling 911 is typically the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment up to an hour sooner than getting to the hospital by car. They are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance also usually receive faster treatment at the hospital.
For more information on women’s heart attack symptoms and causes, click here.
Heaven at Home Senior Care’s caregiving team is devoted to helping seniors who have suffered from a heart attack or stroke to recover as comfortably as possible right at home. Fully screened, thoroughly interviewed and carefully matched, our Texas caregivers go above and beyond to ensure that the seniors in their care get the rest they need by taking care of personal needs and housework, running errands and picking up prescriptions, etc., all while providing friendly companionship to brighten up the day. Call our Denton, TX home care office at 866-381-0500 to learn more!
Remember, if she were a swan, what would you do? Rejoice in her beauty and celebrate Women’s Heart Health Month? We think that’s a great place to start.