For many women, their gynecologist is the one doctor they see on a regular basis for preventative care. They know that pap smears and mammograms are important for catching breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer in their early stages.
What they may not realize is that the number one killer of women today is heart disease.
We screen for this deadly disease at each exam and may talk to you about high blood pressure or other signs you are at risk. Keeping your heart healthy helps ensure a long and active life.
We may talk to you about lifestyle choices that can protect your heart like:
- Reducing stress to lower your blood pressure
- Quitting smoking or other tobacco use
- Walking or other exercise
- Eating a heart healthy diet
Our goal is to help you prevent a heart attack or stroke. In some cases, we may refer you to your primary medical doctor or a specialist in heart health. We take women’s health seriously and protecting your heart is an important part of that.
It is important for women to understand the symptoms of a heart attack as they may be different then what they were taught to expect. Women often postpone going to the hospital because they don’t recognize the symptoms or minimize them, which endangers their lives.
The most common sign of a heart attack is chest pain, but women are more likely to experience other symptoms then men.
They include:
- Pain, pressure or a feeling of fullness in the center of your chest
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Nausea, feeling light headed or breaking out in a cold sweat
If you have these symptoms call 911.
We urge you to start taking care of your heart today. It could save your life. For more information on heart health go to the American Heart Association website.
Be sure to schedule your annual women’s health exam and screenings as well. If you don’t already have a gynecologist you love, give us a call. We promise to take great care of you.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley – (714) 486-1228
