Coronary heart disease (CHD), is the leading cause of a heart attack and kills twice as many women as breast cancer in the UK.
Despite this shocking statistic, research has found that women are less likely than men to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack. This means they can delay seeking medical help, reducing their chances of survival.
We want to encourage more women to understand their heart health and knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack could save more women’s lives.
Symptoms may vary from person to person, but be on the lookout for:
If you think you might be having a heart attack, immediately call 999 (or your local emergency number) and ask for an ambulance.
Call the emergency services as soon as possible. Every minute counts in preventing serious damage.
If you’re not allergic and have no contraindications, chew one adult aspirin to help thin the blood and improve flow.
Sit down, stay calm. Try to note your symptoms and when they started and try to rest to reduce strain on your heart.
Try to stay conscious and aware. if you begin to feel faint or dizzy, lie down to reduce the risk of falling or injury.
Around one in 14 women die from coronary heart disease in the UK. We need your help to address the heart attack gender gap today.
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