I recently shared a post about my childhood friend who had a heart attack when she was in her early to mid-fifties. (The Black Woman and Heart Disease: Some things you need to know!) I was pretty shook up about it but, thankfully, she survived and currently is doing well. It made me take a closer look at myself to check my own risks. I’m definitely more intentional about living my life on purpose.

Often we think of heart attacks affecting men. However, statistics show that each year approximately 50,000 African-American women die from cardiovascular diseases. Forty-nine percent of African-American women from the ages of 20 and older have heart diseases, yet only twenty percent of African-American women believe she is at risk personally. Heart disease is the African-American woman’s greatest health risk but only fifty-two percent of us are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

So, Let’s break it down. What ARE some the signs and symptoms of a heart attack?
* Persistent Chest pain, pressure, or other discomfort/squeezing (however, women are more likely than men to experience a sharp and temporary chest pain)
* Pain may go to the neck, shoulders, or arms
* Lightheadedness/dizziness
* Fainting
* Sweating
* Nausea
* Shortness of Breath

Some other, less common warning signs that women are more likely to experience as compared to men are:
* Stomach or back pain
* Unexplained anxiety or nervousness, tiredness, or weakness
* Palpitations or heart racing, cold sweats, paleness
(And unfortunately some women don’t have any symptoms at all, hence the term “Silent Killer”)

Okay sister, I KNOW what you are probably thinking…especially if you are like me and experience some of these symptoms due to other “natural,mid-life” reasons. (Yeah, I’m talking about menopause/premenopause). You are wondering, Could I be having a heart attack or symptoms of heart disease? It’s true that these signs and symptoms could be due to other causes and illnesses BUT, just because you are a woman, I don’t want you to downplay the fact that it could be your heart. It’s important to be aware of your risk factors. (see my post The Black Woman and Heart Disease: Some things you need to know!) Don’t be afraid (or TOO BUSY) to get yourself checked out. Your family and the World need you and what you have to offer!

P.S. If you are ready to take control of your health and reduce your risk of heart disease and heart attack I currently have a few openings in my schedule for a free 30 minute discovery call to determine if and how I can help you. Go ahead and click here to claim one of these spots before they are gone!