CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - LiveWell

Heart to Heart: Battle of the Sexes Though men often "win" when it comes to recognizing heart attack symptoms, many women unknowingly delay treatment because their symptoms differ from classic warning signs. Heart attack symptoms do not occur equally in men and women. Many women unknowingly delay treat- ment because their heart attack symptoms differ from classic warning signs. "HIS" VERSUS "HER" SYMPTOMS Chest pain — usually described as an uncomfortable pressure, fullness or pain in the center of your chest, according to the American Heart Association — is the most commonly reported heart attack symptom in both men and women. However, fewer women than men experience chest pain. A 2013 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that 1 in 5 women younger than age 55 doesn't experience chest pain during a heart attack. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health, women are twice as likely as men to experience nausea, and fatigue during or leading up to a heart attack is one of the most common — yet overlooked — symptoms in women. Women also more commonly experience shortness of breath and pain in their upper back or jaw. Men typically experience classic heart attack symptoms, which include chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain in the shoulders, arms or upper body, and are more likely than women to have left arm pain or break out in a cold sweat, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. A HEART ATTACK OR BROKEN HEART? Following an emotional trauma, such as the death of a loved one, women are more likely than men to experience what is known as broken heart syndrome, which occurs when a portion of the heart stops beat- ing or beats abnormally, according to the American Heart Association. Causing chest pain and shortness of breath, broken heart syndrome is occasionally confused with heart attack and can cause short-term heart failure. With prompt treatment, however, most women make a full recovery. "Heart disease is commonly thought of as a 'man's' disease, but it is the leading cause of death for men and women. In addition to understanding their heart disease risk and employing preventive measures, women need to learn their gender-specific heart attack symptoms and call 911 if they suspect a heart attack, even if they do not have telltale signs, such as chest pain." —Timothy Colgan, MD, Cardiologist at CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth DEDICATED CARE FOR HEART FAILURE At CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth, the Heart Failure Clinic helps patients navigate the road to wellness. Education about the importance of exercise and eating a low-sodium diet, medication and symptom management, and the availability of same-day appointments if symptoms worsen are just a few of the services offered through the Heart Failure Clinic, which has cared for nearly 120 patients since opening in November 2012. "The Heart Failure Clinic helps reduce hospital readmissions and prevents the breakdown in care that often occurs following the transition from hospital to home," says Susan Kasseroler, RN, GNP-BC, P/MHNP-BC, Nurse Prac- titioner at the Heart Failure Clinic. "Our goal is to empower our patients to take care of themselves so they remain in an optimal state of wellness." CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth & St. Mary are proud sponsors of Go Red for Women. To learn more, visit www.goredforwomen.org or www.christushospital.org and click "Classes & Events." 7 LiveWell | January/February 2014

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