Did you know that the warning signs of a heart attack in women are commonly mistaken for the flu or acid reflux? Get ready to test your cardiovascular skills with these real-life scenarios and real-time feedback!
1a. SCENARIO_A
Are Mom's symptoms concerning?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Maybe, let's keep an eye on it.
1b. FACTS
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), women may experience heart attack warning symptoms such as "pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach." Nausea, or more commonly referred to as an upset stomach, may also foreshadow a cardiovascular emergency.
2a. SCENARIO_B Forty-nine year old account executive Mary Lapini was preparing to leave the office when she began to experience mild chest discomfort. Riddled with anxiety, she reached for her cellphone to call for emergency assistance.
"I'm feeling _____ in my chest!"
(Select a common warning sign of a heart attack that Mary may have reported to the paramedics.)
"I'm feeling ____ in my chest!"
A. Pain
B. Heaviness
C. Pressure
D. All Of The Above
2b. FACTS
Discomfort in the center of the chest that extends beyond a few minutes (or may go away and then return) may be a warning sign of a heart attack. The AHA reports that the sensation can present as pain, heaviness, pressure, squeezing, or fullness. Keep in mind that regardless of gender, chest pain (or discomfort) is the number one sign of a heart attack, friends.
3a. SCENARIO_C
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." - Benjamin Franklin
“Many women do not realize that they are at risk for heart disease. Understanding that women may have unique risk factors and can present with non-typical symptoms is critical to fighting heart disease in women,” said Dr. Kaveeta Vasisht, FDA’s associate commissioner for Women’s Health.
Thus far we've focused on reactionary measures in the event of a cardiovascular emergency. Now, let's turn our sights towards one of many simple tools that can be used to help reduce the chances of developing heart disease.
I'm physically active every day.
A. For sure!
B. Most days.
C. I can't seem to find the time.
3b. FACTS
Engaging in regular physical activities (combined with maintaining a healthy weight) has been proven to help reduce the chances of experiencing heart disease. Talk to your healthcare team about simple lifestyle adjustments that may work for you. Remember, there isn't a wrong or right way to exercise, only the safe way!
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