Women's Heart Care

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and North Knoxville Medical Center is committed to raising awareness and encouraging preventive strategies to minimize risk. Heart care professionals provide you with information about your risk factors and ways to prevent development or reduce the progression of heart disease. We utilize diagnostic technology and provide a range of treatments and therapies to combat heart disease, including:

Medications - Such as statins, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and others.
Minimally invasive cardiac catheterization techniques - Including angioplasty, stent placement, ablation and coronary atherectomy.
Cardiovascular surgical options - Including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), congenital heart disease repair, arrhythmia surgeries, valve repairs and aortic aneurysm surgery.
Education - Learn about heart disease and heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
Cardiac research - Clinical trials to better understand advancing technology and new initiation treatments.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Although the most common heart attack symptom for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort, women are more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain. The most common symptoms of a heart attack include:

Chest discomfort - This can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. The feeling can either last for more than a few minutes, or can go away and come back.
Discomfort or pain in other areas of the upper body - Such as in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath - With or without chest discomfort.
Other signs - May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, vomiting or lightheadedness.

When to See a Doctor

Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack can help save your life. If you experience any of the above symptoms or think you're having a heart attack, seek immediate medical attention. Never drive yourself to the hospital if you think you're having a heart attack.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Heart Disease Risk Factors for Women

Diabetes - Diabetes can change how women feel pain and there is an increased risk for having a "silent heart attack." Silent heart attacks occur when there are no symptoms and pose a significant risk to your health
Smoking - Smoking increases your chance for heart disease and is progressive even if you quit smoking
Sedentary lifestyle - Leading an inactive lifestyle is a major risk factor for heart disease. An active and healthy life can improve heart health
Family history of heart disease
Depression and emotional stress - Depression may make it challenging to adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Unhealthy stress poses a risk for heart disease and may inhibit your desire to be active
Pregnancy - Complications during pregnancy such as high blood pressure or diabetes can increase your long-term risk for heart disease