Heart Care
Heart disease (specifically heart attack) is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States. While many think of heart disease as primarily male health issue, equal numbers of men and women die from heart disease annually.
In 2017 alone, heart disease took the lives of 299,578 women, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This figure represents approximately one in five female deaths. Because of these facts, doctors at Santa Rosa Medical Center do not take heart disease lightly.
Providers aim to help female patients prevent heart disease through diet and lifestyle changes, as well as medication. If you already suffer from heart disease, cardiologists may be able to help you reduce the progression of the disease to help you live your healthiest life.
Heart Care for Women
Call (850) 626-7762
Symptoms of Heart Disease
Many people are unaware that they have developed heart disease. This may partially be due to the fact that symptoms can vary significantly from patient to patient. Many experience no symptoms at all, while others may experience a dull or sharp pain in the neck, jaw, throat or upper back. Unfortunately, signs of heart disease may go unidentified until a doctor visit or a heart attack.
Symptoms of Heart Attack
Many people are unaware that they are experiencing a heart attack. While Hollywood movies portray heart attacks as sudden and dramatic events, this is not always the case. Heart attacks are sometimes more subtle. Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort or pain - You may feel an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the central part of your chest. This sensation may last for just a few minutes, or come and go.
- Pain or discomfort in the upper body - One or both arms, the neck, back, jaw or stomach may be in pain.
- Extreme fatigue - Tiredness or fatigue that lasts for days without end.
- Breaking out into a cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Three of the greatest risk factors for heart disease are smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. About half of all Americans have at least one out of these three risk factors; unfortunately, these rates are on the rise. Other risk factors may include:
- Obesity or being overweight
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
Treatment for Heart Disease in Milton
Cardiologists and other heart care professionals at Santa Rosa Medical Center provide a range of therapies for helping patients combat heart disease. Our team is committed to raising awareness and encouraging preventative strategies to minimize the risk of heart disease in women throughout Santa Rosa County. We utilize advanced diagnostic technologies and provide a vast array of treatment plans and therapies, including:
- Education on heart disease and lifestyle changes, such as nutritional guidance and weight management.
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques, including angioplasty stent placement, coronary atherectomy and ablation.
- Surgical options, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), arrhythmia surgeries, aortic aneurysm surgery, valve repairs and congenital heart disease repair.
- Medical management: beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins and others.
Find a Cardiologist Near You
For more information about heart health in Santa Rosa Medical Center, or to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, please call (850) 626-7762.