February is Heart Month in Canada and the US, so I'm sure you're seeing a lot more commercials about this now.
My family has a history of heart disease. Many of the men in my family have suffered from angina, high blood pressure and have had strokes or heart attacks leading to their early deaths. Even knowing my family history of heart disease, I was indifferent to the fact that heart disease could be a problem for women as well, and I'm not sure why I didn't think of that, as both of my grandmothers died of heart disease. One died of a massive heart attack, and the other suffered a series of strokes, the last of which killed her.
In spite of this, I breezily went along not thinking I was at risk of heart disease. And fortunately I am not having any heart related health problems, however, even though I eat healthy, I am not at my best weight, don't exercise as much as I should, and have gone through menopause, all of which put me at a higher risk for heart disease.
Did you know that every 7 minutes in North America, someone dies from heart disease or stroke? Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for women in Canada and the United States. In fact, heart disease and stroke kills seven times more women than breast cancer. Women who are menopausal, have diabetes, and are sedentary are especially at risk.
As women, we spend our days looking after others, and very often put our own health on the back burner, not thinking that heart disease is something that can affect us.
Although symptoms are generally the same for men and women, women can sometimes experience symptoms that are less definite, such as chest discomfort rather than pain.
For women, chest pain may not be the first sign of heart trouble. Women have reported experiencing unusual tiredness, trouble sleeping, problems breathing, indigestion, and anxiety up to a month or so before the heart attack.
Learn how to recognize the warning signs of heart disease and stroke and take preventive action and control your risk factors.
Here is a video staring Elizabeth Banks that I feel is worth watching (more than once even) and while the video is funny, it still manages to get the important message across.
Do you have a history of heart disease in your family? What are you doing to reduce your risk?
Great reminder that women experience heart attacks differently than men. (and that we tend to be so busy being ‘mom’ and worrying about others that we put ourselves down the priority list).
That’s so very true Carly, thanks for your comment. Even if I can bring awareness to just one woman, it will be worth it!
Happy Heart Month! Thank you for the information, so important to keep a healthy heart! Educate yourself and watch for signs from your body.
Thanks for commenting Cathy! It definitely is VERY important to educate yourself.
Thanks for this great post! I agree that it is so important to be aware of the symptoms of heart disease. I have seen this video before and love how it reminds us to take care of ourselves!
Thanks for your comment Becky! Self care is so important for women, and something we don’t do enough of.
Great read! I thought the video was a great touch and funny! I love Elizabeth banks
Thanks Laura. I was really impressed with the video and how well it got the message across.
Great and powerful video! Thanks for bringing to light a situation that so many don’t think about. I think you do a great job of educating and being approachable and relatable. None of us are perfect at this health thing- and you allow for others to get well, despite where they are at. beautiful!
Wow, thanks Shelley for your wonderful praise! I really appreciate you saying that!
I love it! This is so relatable! So often do we push ourselves for everyone else. This is certainly an eye opener and makes you stop to think. Wow. Thank you for sharing. It was a light but effective approach to this issue that kills us. And I love love love how quick the son pulled up the signs on the internet!
Thanks Shani. I thought the video was really well done – it was funny but definitely got it’s message across. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Wow, this is eye opening. Thanks for such a thoughtful and informative post.
I’m glad you liked it Johanna, thanks for your comment.
This is great – I have family history and we just lost my father in law to a heart attach at the age of 63. It is scary and I am trying to get the word out too. Love that you posted the video.
Thanks Kari, for coming by and reading the post. Spreading the word is what can do to help others reduce their risk.
this is an inspiring post, I think we all have that “not me attitude” it’s often easier to note the flaws I other people’s lifestyle and not our. Heart disease is serious and in grateful for the awareness effort.
Thank you Adanna! It IS a very serious thing that many people don’t pay attention to.
It is important that we give priority to our health. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of heart diseases and stroke will go a long way to help prevent untimely death.
That is so very true! Thanks for commenting Mazino!
I do have history in my family and it scares me.
There are a lot of ways that you can reduce your risk Stephanie. I will be writing a post on the way to reduce your risk of heart disease, so be sure to check back, or sign up for notifications of new posts!
Great piece to remind everyone about heart health! To often we think its someone elses problem and when symptoms appear, we ignore them. Being educated and knowing what to do when they do appear is the most important thing we an do
So very true Jenn. Thanks for stopping by and reading.
wow every 7 minutes.. that is way too much.. We have a history of heart problems in our family as well..
It’s a frightening statistic, isn’t it? The one where Heart Attacks kill more women than breast cancer is a frightening one as well.