Why more and more women are suffering from heart disease

One of the downsides of development has been the increased instances of heart attacks among women. Earlier, cases of heart attacks were exclusive to post-menopausal women but now even younger women seem to suffer from them. One of the major reasons for this is the redefinition of gender roles. While earlier women lived a very domesticated lifestyle these days they are trying to do too much manage homes and careers at the same time and it's taking a toll on their health.

Another reason is increased instances of smoking and drinking two habits that are horrible for cardiovascular health. Other factors like increased use of oral contraceptives, irregular meal-times, tendency to eat junk food and lack of exercise are all taking a toll as well. All these lifestyle modifications make women more susceptible to heart disease.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack in women

Women don't experience the 'classic' symptoms of a heart attack. Some common symptoms in women are:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the centre of your chest. These pains are infrequent and come and go.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.
• As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

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