10 Words That Could Save Your Life (Plus, Our 29 “Love Your Heart” Tips)

February 29, 2012 at 1:00 pm
by Lynya-Floyd

Martha Gulati, M.D.

I’m about to share two shocking facts about heart attacks with you. As a health editor, I’ve heard one of these facts several times before. But the other almost made me fall out of my chair.

First, you know that crushing chest pain that we all think of as a classic sign of a heart attack? Well, it is. For men. When it comes to women, about one-third of us don’t experience that discomfort on the left side of our chest. Some symptoms we’re more likely to have than men:

  • Nausea, vomiting or indigestion.
  • Pain in the back, neck or jaw.
  • Sudden and unusual tiredness or lack of energy.

Now for the other surprise. Women often don’t recognize the signs of their own heart attacks—and MDs miss them too. I’ve been stunned by the number of stories I’ve heard from women who were told they were having a panic attack when they showed up at a doctor’s office or hospital with non-traditional symptoms of a heart attack. So I asked renowned cardiologist Martha Gulati, M.D., co-author of Saving Women’s Hearts (Wiley) what we could do. She suggested asking your doctor these ten words at the hospital:

“Did you make sure I’m not having a heart attack?”

“Feel empowered enough to ask the right questions,” said Gulati, director of preventive cardiology and women’s cardiovascular health at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “It could save your life.”

She also recommended knowing your heart numbers (that includes your cholesterol, blood pressure and more) just like you know the number on your scale and what your kid got on his last math test. “That way you can also tell the doctor, ‘I have high cholesterol’ or another risk factor,” she explains, to express the urgency of your situation.

For the past month, we’ve given you one easy tip a day for a healthy heart makeover. Consider this one a bonus and pass it on to friends and family. And if you missed any tips from previous days, just click on them below now.

 

How to Love Your Heart Every Day Tips

Tip #1: Take It To The Mat

Tip #2: Make Over Your Breakfast

Tip #3: Get Ready For Bed

Tip #4: Screen Your Friends

Tip #5: Show Some Super Bowl Spirit

Tip #6: Write To Save A Life

Tip #7: Change Your Oil

Tip #8: Make Someone’s Day

Tip #9: Hop On Your Feet

Tip #10: Reach For Nuts

Tip #11: Revamp Your Pantry

Tip #12: Have A Good Laugh

Tip #13: Get In Touch With Nature

Tip #14: Take A Class

Tip #15: Get A Precise Reading

Tip #16: Kick Back With A Cup Of Cocoa

Tip #17: Send A Contract

Tip #18: Dress Down Your Salad

Tip #19: Know the Signs of Stroke

Tip #20: Lock The Bedroom Door

Tip #21: Time Your Meds

Tip #22: Chill Out With a Happy Story

Tip #23: Start With 10

Tip #24: Sweeten Up

Tip #25: Enjoy A Taste Of Summer

Tip #26: Take The Long Way

Tip #27: Say No To Soda

Tip #28: Make Your Smile Sparkle

Tip #29: Join Hearts

Did you follow our Love Your Heart Tips all month long daily on our blog and on Twitter with #loveyourheart? How many of the tips have you done? Share in the comments below!

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Love Your Heart Month: Tip #21

Categories: Health