We’ve all heard the story about the ugly duckling who turned out to be a beautiful swan. The clear moral of the story is that many things, upon first glimpse, are not what they seem to be. It is with the ugly duckling’s story in mind that Compassionate Care Home Health Services, the leading provider of Saginaw senior care and services in nearby areas, encourages you to remember Women’s Heart Health Month with the “IF She Were a SWAN…” Challenge.
For Women’s Heart Health Month, let’s look at the most common signs of a heart attack. Just as with men, a woman’s most typical heart attack sign is chest pain. Yet while a number of heart attacks are immediate and extreme, many of them actually start slowly with minimal discomfort. The National Institutes of Health shares that women often are impacted by physical effects for as long as a month or more prior to undergoing the heart attack itself. Also, women are somewhat more likely than men to experience and report some of the other less anticipated symptoms. Use the letters in IF and SWAN to know the additional warning signs to watch for which include:
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Weakness in the arms
- Anxiety
- Nausea/vomiting
No matter what your gender, if you are having any of the symptoms above and believe that it might possibly be a heart attack, even if you’re unsure, it is important to seek medical help immediately. A difference of five minutes could save your life. Calling 911 is generally the quickest way to get lifesaving care. Emergency medical services personnel can begin the process of treatment up to an hour sooner than going to the hospital by car. They are also trained in reviving an individual whose heart has stopped. Individuals with chest pain who arrive by ambulance also often receive faster treatment at the hospital.
Though it is valuable for all of us to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, it is particularly vital for caregivers to know what to look for when providing care for their loved ones.
If you or someone you love has already suffered a heart attack and needs extra help and support, either at home or in a care facility, Compassionate Care Home Health Services can help. Contact us to schedule your free care consultation at 877.308.1212 or to learn more about our Saginaw senior care and services in the surrounding areas.