Cardiovascular disease does need to be addressed. Jenkins reminded that hormone replacement therapy also has risk factors, and that women should consult with their physician before beginning such therapy. Jenkins said that within 4 to 6 minutes of a heart attack, cells begin to die in the heart because they aren't receiving oxygen-rich blood. And someone trained to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be vital in saving the life of someone who is having a heart attack, she said. Jenkins also noted that symptoms of heart attack in women are more subtle than men, and that women tend to ignore their symptoms.
Men often describe a heart attack as being stepped on by an elephant.
Women complain of neck, upper back and shoulder pain, experience nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath and are fatigued. They often attribute the symptoms to arthritis, she said, when in reality they may be having a heart attack, she said. Jenkins said people should learn about their family history of heart disease, noting that it is a major risk factor, along with age and race. Risk factors that can be altered include treatment for hypertension and diabetes, quitting smoking, reducing cholesterol levels and addressing obesity and weight issues. If you're not comfortable talking with your physician about this, then change doctors.