June 04, 2010 02:17am EST 

Here’s a fact that you may not have known: 1 out of every 3 women die of heart disease. Heart disease is still the leading cause of death around the nation, killing more people than all other causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. In fact, women are up to 6 times as likely to die from heart disease as breast cancer.
Hospitals around the nation are constantly dealing with patients who walk into the emergency room, complaining of chest pain. The problem for these hospitals is that symptoms in women are often different from symptoms in men, and as heart disease is considered more of problem for men (a stereotype, as more women die from heart disease than men every year), more awareness is required on the issue.
The most common symptom of a heart attack is always some sort of pain, pressure or discomfort felt in the chest. However, when a woman walks into a hospital with a high-risk of heart disease, the “most common symptom” is not always the most prominent symptom. Hospitals should be more aware of symptoms more specific to women, that is:
* Shortness of Breath
* Nausea or vomiting
* Sweating
* Unusual Fatigue
* Dizziness
* Discomfort in the neck, shoulder, upper back or abdominal region
The problem lies in the lack of the “defining symptom” in heart disease for women. Many women show up in hospital emergency rooms after heart damage has already occurred, as their symptoms are not those that are usually associated with a heart attack. Traditional heart disease risk factors specifically playing a bigger role in women are metabolic syndrome, mental stress and depression, smoking, and low levels of estrogen. If you experience any of the symptoms or are at high risk, call for emergency help immediately. Do not drive to the hospital on your own!
So what can a woman do to reduce their risk of heart disease? Here are 5 quick tips:
1. Stay aware
Always stay aware of your symptoms and risk factors, and always be prepared by knowing what hospitals are around you, and which hospital your insurance allows.
2. Talk with your doctor
Keeping an open communication with your hospital or family physician is important. Schedule an appointment with your physician to better understand your own personal heart disease risk.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking is more damaging to the body in women than in men. Not only does it increase your risk of heart disease, it also brings many more risks along with it. Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the country, yet 140,000 women die from smoking relatd causes each year.
4. Exercise
Staying out of the hospital can become more of a reality if you exercise 3 to 5 times a week. Studies have shown that proper exercising and physicial activity can significantly lower your risk of heart disease and cancer.
5. Diet properly
Obesity is a major cause of heart disease. Work with a nutrition or ask your physician about how to eat for a healthier heart.