When you think of a heart attack, what picture comes to mind? For many of us, it’s a man clutching his chest in pain, a scene played out in countless films and TV dramas. While this can be accurate, this stereotype is dangerously incomplete.
Did you know that in the UK, coronary heart disease kills more than twice as many women as breast cancer?
Heart disease doesn’t discriminate. It is one of the leading causes of death for both men and women in the UK. While the foundations of a healthy heart are universal, our risks, and even our symptoms, can be surprisingly different. This guide covers the essential knowledge every man and woman needs to protect their heart health.
The Universal Truths: A Heart-Healthy Checklist for Everyone
Regardless of gender, the core principles of cardiovascular wellbeing remain the same. Think of these as the non-negotiable foundations for a long and healthy life.
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Eat for Your Heart: Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Reducing your intake of salt, sugar, and saturated fats is one of the most effective changes you can make. The Mediterranean diet is a great model to follow.
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Get Moving: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week, a cycle ride, or a swim. Regular activity strengthens your heart muscle and helps manage your weight and blood pressure.
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Know Your Numbers: This is critical. Your GP or local pharmacist can help you check your blood pressure and cholesterol. Knowing these numbers, along with your family history, gives you a clear picture of your personal risk. If you're aged 40-74 in England, you are eligible for a free NHS Health Check.
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Stub it Out & Cut Back: Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your heart health. It’s also important to be mindful of alcohol consumption and stay within the recommended guidelines.
The Gender Gap: Recognising Heart Attack Symptoms
This is where awareness can be life-saving. While both men and women can experience the "classic" symptoms, women are significantly more likely to experience a different set of warning signs that can be mistaken for something less serious.
Symptoms More Common in MEN:
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Sudden, crushing chest pain that may feel like pressure or squeezing (often described as 'an elephant on my chest').
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Pain that spreads to the jaw, neck, back, or left arm.
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Shortness of breath.
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Feeling lightheaded and breaking into a cold sweat.
Symptoms More Common in WOMEN:
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Unusual Fatigue: Profound tiredness that lasts for days or appears suddenly.
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Pain in the Jaw, Neck, or Upper Back: Aching or discomfort that isn't the classic chest pain.
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Shortness of Breath: This can occur with or without any chest discomfort.
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Nausea or Indigestion: Symptoms that feel more like a stomach issue than a heart problem.
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Anxiety or Disturbed Sleep: A feeling of impending doom or being unable to sleep in the days leading up to the event.
The vital takeaway: A heart attack doesn't always look like it does in the movies. If something feels wrong, even if it’s not classic chest pain, call 999 immediately. It’s always better to be safe.
Risk Factors Through Life
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For Men: The risk of heart disease tends to start at a younger age. Men are more likely to develop it in their 40s and 50s.
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For Women: The risk increases significantly after menopause. The drop in the protective hormone oestrogen can lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol. Furthermore, certain conditions during pregnancy, like pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, can be an early indicator of future cardiovascular risk.
Taking charge of your heart health is a lifelong commitment for everyone. Understanding the shared risks and the crucial differences in symptoms is the first step.