Holly began having what she believed to be heart issues in her late 20s. She visited several doctors who attributed her symptoms to stress and, because she was young, dismissed them.*

Holly’s experience illustrates the importance of American Heart Month – a national acknowledgement dating back to 1964 that brings awareness to heart health every February and recognizes the millions of lives taken or affected by cardiovascular disease. It also underscores the importance for more education and research that could lead to better outcomes.

No Longer a “Man’s Disease”

Heart disease has historically been viewed as one that primarily affects men. One of the critical advances made throughout the years has been understanding how heart disease affects women, particularly how signs of a heart attack or heart disease in women often go unrecognized or are misdiagnosed.

While men are two times more likely to suffer a heart attack, women are more likely to die from heart disease. Statistically, the American Heart Association reports that a woman’s prognosis following a heart attack is worse than a man’s, and that women face a greater risk of dying within five years of their diagnosis.

While both men and women commonly experience chest pain as a heart attack indicator, women often experience other symptoms – with or without chest pain. Stress and depression, which are more common in women, can also confuse heart attack symptoms and increase a woman’s risk for cardiovascular issues.

Here are some common symptoms that could be a first sign of a heart attack for a woman:

• Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or upper abdomen discomfort.
• Shortness of breath.
• Pain in one or both arms.
• Heartburn (indigestion).
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Sweating.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Unusual fatigue.

Take Preventive Steps to Lower Your Risks

While there may be differences between men and women when it comes to heart attack symptoms, the lifestyle factors that lead to cardiovascular disease are the same, including  smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of heart problems. The good news is that, with the exception of family history, all of these risk factors can be lowered and, in some cases, even reversed. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and adopting healthy eating habits are all important measures that can make a significant difference and lower your risk for having a serious cardiovascular event.

However, Holly’s story reminds us to trust our instincts and act quickly when we know something’s not right. Below are some ways you can learn more and take advantage of your Transocean preventive benefits to stay on top of your heart health:

• Start a health journal you can share with your physician.
• Make sure you get your annual physical and health screening every year, which is covered at 100% under the Transocean Medical Plan.
• Plan on joining our 2ND.MD House Calls Webinar, “Women’s Health: Getting the Personalized Care You Need,” on Thursday, March 3, 12:00 p.m. CST. You can pre-submit questions when you register.

*Holly’s story is true and used with permission. She is not a Transocean employee.