Matters of the heart: Men and women experience heart attacks differently

Good heart health is a combination of diet, exercise and knowing your risk factors for heart disease, as well as recognizing the signs of a heart attack. A heart attack rarely happens without warning – it’s up to us to identify the signals and act in time. In honor of American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day, do your heart a favor: learn the facts about how to keep your and your loved one’s heart healthy and strong.

If you’ve never had a heart attack, you may picture it as you’ve seen it depicted in the movies: the sudden, sharp chest pain, staggering and eventual collapse. Actually, the signs of a heart attack are much more subtle and are not the same for everyone.

We’ve all heard about the differences between Mars and Venus when it comes to matters of the heart. These differences hold true when it comes to heart health, as well. Knowing how to recognize the early symptoms of a possible heart attack, can help men and women – and their doctors – to prevent it, or intervene in time to minimize the damaging effects on the heart.

Men usually experience what we know as the “classic” signs of a heart attack: heavy squeezing or chest pain, discomfort in areas of the upper body (arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach); shortness of breath; a cold sweat or nausea.

Women suffering a heart attack sometimes experience chest pain, but not as frequently as men do – and, they experience other symptoms that people don’t generally link to heart trouble: shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Women also experience symptoms earlier: for men, symptoms come either right before, or during a heart attack.

Research by the National Institutes of Health indicates that women experience different physical symptoms as long as a month or more before experiencing a heart attack. In a 2007 study of more than 500 women, 95 percent of participants reported experiencing new symptoms at least a month before their heart attack, including unusual fatigue, sleep disturbance and shortness of breath. Less than 30 percent of women studied experienced chest pains prior to the attack, and 43 percent had no chest pain during the attack. Other symptoms included indigestion and anxiety. The study was one of the first to examine the differences in the way men and women experience a heart attack.

Knowing the differences is important for many reasons. Women who experienced these non-traditional symptoms did not identify them as a heart attack and put off seeking medical attention – decreasing their chances for preventing, or surviving, the attack. The American Heart Association estimates that about 95 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital.

Talk to your doctor today about steps you can take to educate yourself about heart health and any recommended health screenings based on your individual profile.

Remember that symptoms may come and go. Even if you’re not sure if it’s a heart attack, it’s important to be checked by a doctor. New medications and treatments are now available that can stop some heart attacks in progress and save lives – but these drugs must be administered at the first sign of heart attack symptoms, for maximum effectiveness.

During American Heart Month, take care of the ones you love. Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack and how to minimize its effects will help ensure that you and your loved ones are heart-healthy for many a Valentine’s day to come.

About the Author: Valerie Clark is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, National Certified Menopause Practitioner with Solstice Family Care in Wasilla. Solstice is welcoming new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 352-1300 or visit the website at www.SolsticeFamilyCare.com. Solstice is located at 1700 E. Bogard Rd., is a preferred provider for many insurance plans, and is Medicare and Medicaid friendly.

Upcoming Community Events at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center

February

Every Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 8:30m, FREE WALK for Seniors 50+at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center, 1001 S. Clapp St, Wasilla, AK. This is a great opportunity to use the track in this facility three days a week at no cost!!

Tuesday, February 7^th: Breastfeeding, Find out how to get breastfeeding off to a smooth start, how to assure a plentiful milk production and where you can get answers to your questions and ongoing support. 6:00 to 9:00pm, $35 includes Dad or a support person ( strongely encouraged to attend with expectant mothers). Registration line: 861-6351 or email: MyBirthCoach@live.com

Friday, February 10^th: Cancer Bites, 10 to 11:00am, Mat Su Regional Cafeteria. Nutrition tips for eating well before, during and after cancer treatment. Hosted by Valley Radiation Therapy Center and presentation led by Registered Dietitian, Brisa Alegrio. RSVP to 745-2900.

Friday, February 10^th: Go Red for Healthy Living, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Mat Su Regional Medical Center, Main Lobby. Join us for an entertaining, educational forum focusing on A Heart Healthy Lifestyle. This year’s event features a presentation and heart-healthy appetizers. 5:00 – 6:00pm – Go Red Picture, meet in the main lobby and enjoy heart healthy appetizers. 6:00 – 8:00pm - Signs & Symptoms of a Heart Attack presentation by Dr. Paul Forman, Solstice Family Care, followed by a Survivor Testimonial by Jodi Herte. This FREE event is for women and men of all ages. Space is limited, registration is recommended call 861-6807 or email m.wagner@msrmc.com Please wear RED in support of Heart Disease Awareness.

Friday, February 10^th: Senior Circle this month will be the GO RED for Healthy Living event described above.

Saturday, February 18^th: Reality Birth Blitz: The Short Course, 1 -5pm, a weekend session to fit busy couples OR to refresh skills for those who have given birth before. $60/couple (includes Dad and/or support person). Registration line: 861-6351 or email: MyBirthCoach@live.com

Tuesday, February 21^st: Baby Boot Camp, One session helps you become more confident in taking care of and making decisions for your new baby. Dressing, diapering, bathing, medical testing during the hospital stay, and coping with crying will be covered plus much more. One session, 6:00 to 9:00pm, $35/couple (includes Dad and/or support person). Registration line: 861-6351 or email: MyBirthCoach@live.com

March

Friday, March 17th: Cancer Bites, 10 to 11:00am. Mat Su Regional Cafeteria. Nutrition tips for eating well before, during and after cancer treatment. Hosted by Valley Radiation Therapy Center and presentation led by Registered Dietitian, Brisa Alegria. RSVP to 745-2900Friday,

March 17^th: Senior Circle Membership Luncheon, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Mat Su Regional Medical Center Denali Room 3^rd floor. Dr. Greg Lund with Alaska Urology will be presenting, “Hormone Replacement for Seniors, Facts & Myths”. Seating is limited so please RSVP to 861-6807 or email m.wagner@msrmc.com.

Reality Birth, March 20, 22 & 24^th, M-W-F,: Reality Birth, Three sessions to empower you for decision making during labor as well as focusing on one of the most important events of your life. This unique course covers getting ready, what to expect in labor, comfort measures, interventions, and immediately after birth. Three evening sessions, 6:00 to 9:00pm for $85, includes expectant mother, Dad and/or support person and all class materials. Registration line: 861-6351 or email: MyBirthCoach@live.com

Mat Su Outdoorsman Show, Friday, March 24^th 12noon to 6pm; Saturday, March 25^th 10am to 6pm; Sunday, March 26^th 10am to 5pm at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center. This is the Valley’s largest trade show of its kind, with over 140 booths, seminars, drawings, local authors, youth activities and a gun show. Admission $5, kids under 12 and military ID Free