The Voice - Student Newspaper

Heart disease brings tragedy upon women

By Amanda Williams
Reporter, The VOICE

All over the news and tabloids we hear how different cancers and diseases are becoming the leading causes in death among women: breast cancer, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, obesity, the horrid list seems never-ending.

While the preceding are contributing factors of women's death in the United States, most people do not even consider the fact that the number one killer of women is heart disease. Cnn.com states, "Truth is, starting at the age of 35, heart disease is the leading killer of women. About 35,000 women younger than 50 die of heart attacks annually - but only 20 percent of women believe they're at risk for heart disease."

According to the medical website webmd.com, "…since 1984, more women have died of heart disease each year than men, and an estimated 500,000 women die of heart disease in the U.S. each year. That's about one death per minute."

Now that the truth is known, the burning question presents itself: How do we prevent this disease from killing any more women?

Just like anything else, the number one way to stop something from happening is to be aware.

First, be aware of your family history and ask yourself these questions: Have any of your family members suffered from heart disease or had a heart attack? Do you/anyone in your family have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol? Are you overweight? Do you have diabetes? Do you smoke?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might want to talk to your doctor and find out if you are at risk for a heart attack.

If you are at risk be sure to also consult with your doctor about the different treatment options and ways that you can prevent developing heart disease or suffering from a heart attack.

On the flip side, if you feel as though you are having a heart attack, (symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, chest discomfort, discomfort or pain in between the shoulder blades, etc.) doctors urge that you waste no time and dial 9-1-1 immediately; the longer you wait, the more damage is done to the heart and the harder it is to repair.

It is also advised that you take aspirin; aspirin helps reduce blood clotting (which is the cause of heart attacks) and can help pump blood to the major arteries.

Last but not least, get to the hospital as soon as possible; the faster you can get help, the better off you will be.

The phrase "better safe than sorry" seems to have a deeper meaning when your life depends on it.

Please send comments to awilliams@gccvoice.com