Heart Health: Men vs. Women

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, surpassing all cancers, diseases, and injuries.

The Red Dress campaign was started for heart disease awareness for women, using the first Friday of February to enlighten women on heart health and encourage them to reduce their risks for heart disease.

Even though heart disease is prevalent in women, there is concern about it being treated less aggressively than in men. The symptoms in women are more subtle.

Here are some symptoms women may experience:

• Arm or shoulder pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

Women tend to put other responsibilities ahead of their own health. This may worsen the outcome after a cardiac event, as women don't always take the necessary steps to recover because they are caring for others.

Men usually visit a doctor 15 hours after a cardiac event, where women will visit a doctor about 55 hours after a cardiac event. Women's symptoms may be missed by urgent care, delaying treatment of heart disease.

Listen in as Dr. Chadd Kraus shares what women should know about heart disease.