Your cardiovascular health is one of the most important aspects of your overall physical well-being. Apart from being the literal heart of your body, your heart also pumps blood to all the vital functions throughout your system. And that blood carries oxygen to all the places that need it most, keeping everything running smooth. But despite its valuable role in the body, it can be tricky to identify when your heart is struggling—especially when symptoms present differently between men and women.
But luckily, we’re here to help you understand how to keep your ticker ticking—and to know what to look for when it’s not working at its best.
Men and Women’s Bodies are Built Differently.
Men tend to have an increased risk of heart-related events at a younger age than women, which means it’s even more important for men to regularly check on their heart health. But that doesn’t mean staying heart-aware isn’t vital for women, too. While men have an increased risk of heart disease or other cardiovascular problems, more women die from cardiovascular disease than from all cancers combined.
Symptoms of cardiovascular trouble also vary between men and women. While both can experience classic symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, women have a higher likelihood of experiencing indigestion and back pain as symptoms. And sometimes, women having a heart event may not experience chest pain at all.
But Symptoms Can Be Managed.
Luckily, managing your risk for a heart attack is the same for everyone. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress, low physical activity, and poor diet can affect anyone—and can have serious impacts on your heart if not managed properly.
But some people require a little more intervention. For example, if you have a family history of cardiovascular issues, it’s especially important for you to consult your doctor and understand your risk. You can get a $49 heart scan from Hancock Health to answer your questions, even if you don’t have a family history.
Discovering risk factors that can contribute to heart disease can happen during regular exams, too—so don’t skip out on those yearly physicals. Whether you have low risk factors or high ones, it’s never too early to give your heart a little extra love. Don’t wait for symptoms to start. Call Hancock Health and schedule a heart scan today.