Women’s Heart Week – Understanding the Risks and When to Seek Help

RAPID CARE ER

Women's Heart Week - Understanding the Risks and When to Seek Help

Women’s Heart Week – Understanding the Risks and When to Seek Help

Women’s Heart Week, observed every February 1–7, is a vital initiative to raise awareness of heart health issues affecting women.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and Women’s Heart Week encourages you to learn about prevention, recognize the signs of heart-related emergencies, and take charge of your health.

As we mark Women’s Heart Week, let’s explore the common heart diseases women face, the warning signs to watch for, and when to seek emergency medical care.

Why Women’s Heart Week Matters

Women’s Heart Week was established to bring attention to the unique ways heart disease affects women, especially symptoms, as women often experience different ones than men and may delay seeking treatment due to a lack of awareness.

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Common Heart Diseases in Women

More than 60 million women are currently living with some heart disease in the United States. Although the conditions may be the same, it’s important to remember that heart disease in women can manifest differently than in men.

Heart Attack

Women may not always experience the classic chest pain associated with a heart attack.

Instead, symptoms often include:

  • Nausea
  • Back or jaw pain
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Shortness of breath

These subtle signs can delay diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of severe complications.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, often due to a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel.

Women may experience:

  • Sudden confusion
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)
  • Severe headache

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

More than 30% of adult women in Texas have been told by their doctors they have hypertension. Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension usually has no apparent symptoms until serious complications arise.

Over time, untreated high blood pressure can damage your heart, blood vessels, and other organs, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Regular blood pressure checks are crucial to catching and managing hypertension early.

What Causes Chest Pain When Lying Down?

Warning Signs of a Heart-Related Emergency

Being able to recognize the symptoms of a heart-related emergency can save lives. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know experiences:

  • Unexplained chest pain or discomfort, especially if it lasts more than a few minutes.
  • Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
  • Unexplained shortness of breath, with or without chest pain.
  • Sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat.

For stroke, remember the acronym FAST:

  • Face drooping
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech difficulty
  • Time to call 911

When to Go to the ER

You should never delay going to the ER if you suspect a heart-related emergency. Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to be cautious.

At Rapid Care ER, we are here to provide immediate evaluation and treatment, ensuring you receive the care you need. We understand how critical timely intervention is for heart-related emergencies. That’s why our facilities are equipped to handle complex heart issues.

We pride ourselves on offering:

Compassionate Care: You and your loved ones will receive personalized attention in a supportive environment.

State-of-the-Art Technology: Our advanced equipment helps us diagnose and treat heart conditions swiftly and effectively.

24/7 Availability: Emergencies don’t wait, and neither do we. Our team is ready to assist you around the clock with minimal wait times.