Besides, we will tell you about all the warning signs that you should pay attention to.
Each year, heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined, yet the National Institutes of He alth spends nearly four times as much on cancer research ($959 million for cancer in women; $246 million for heart disease). The next time you visit your doctor, discuss these questions to estimate your chances of having a heart attack in the next 10 years:
1. Your family's history of heart disease
Genetics can work for you or against you.
2. How autoimmune diseases affect risk
Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are linked to heart disease.
3. Your diet, exercise and stress levels
He althy lifestyle and low stress helps your heart.
4. If you had complications during pregnancy
Gestational diabetes, hypertension and preeclampsia may increase risk.
5. Your body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure
Watch these numbers so you and your doctor know what's normal for you.
6. If you smoke or regularly breathe second-hand smoke
Smokers are 2-4 times more likely to have heart disease; passive smoking also increases the risk.
7. Your blood test
Consider checking your cholesterol, blood sugar, triglycerides, and if you have any kidney problems.
5 warning signs you should be aware of
Call 103 if you have any of these symptoms.
- Pressure or pain in the neck, jaw, arms, shoulders, upper back or abdomen.
- Unusual or sudden severe fatigue.
- Shortness of breath, especially when combined with any of the symptoms listed here, or dizziness (and you don't have asthma).
- Inexplicably breaks into a cold sweat, similar to sweat during stress.
- Nausea or vomiting that comes on suddenly and is accompanied by any of the above symptoms.
