Women of every age should guard against high blood pressure and high cholesterol, control obesity, and avoid smoking. After menopause, the risk of heart disease in women equals that in men. One authority at the American Heart Association says women must learn to put their health above those of the family and their jobs. Women's symptoms of a heart attack are different from men's. While men may describe a crushing pain in their chests, women may experience breathing problems and only mild chest pain.
Many women dismiss the initial signs of heart disease as hiatal hernia, flu, or muscle strain.
Be aware of the signs of a heart attack. Many heart attacks in women are preceded by months of warning signs that are ignored. The Women's Concise Guide to a Healthier Heart Karen J. Carlson Click it for details.