Women's heart facts for American Heart Month

During February, American Heart Month, doctors are educating women that heart attacks can come with atypical symptoms - other than the classic chest pressure or pain - that can be tricky to recognize.

Women's heart facts • Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 women's deaths each year.

• Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, family history of heart problems, sedentary lifestyle or obesity.

• Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease.

Symptoms

• A burning or tearing feeling in the chest.

• Shortness of breath.

• Prolonged, intense fatigue.

• Back or chest pain that feels like a strained muscle.

• Arm pain or numbness.

• Pain in the jaw, teeth or neck.

• Dizziness.

• Anxiety and sweating.

• Indigestion or intense heartburn.

• Nausea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms.

Prevention tips

• Know your family history and share it with your doctor.

• Stay active.

• Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

• Don't smoke.

• Manage blood sugar.

• Control blood pressure.

• Lower cholesterol.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables and less animal products.

Sources: American Heart Association, Dr. Laxmi Mehta, cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Dr. Annabelle Volgman, medical director of Rush Heart Center for Women in Chicago