Boylan

Dr. Christopher Boylan, with Tyler Cardiovascular Consultants, leads this week’s Walk with a Doc event on Thursday and will discuss heart disease and how it affects women. Walk With a Doc is a project of the Smith County Medical Society and gathers at Rose Rudman Park at Copeland Road. Registration is at 5:45 p.m. with a brief health presentation at 6 p.m. followed by walking. For more information on Walk With a Doc, call the Smith County Medical Society office at 903-593-7058 or visit www.walkwithadoc.org/our-locations/tyler-tx/.

Q: Why do you believe heart disease has previously been perceived as a “man’s disease?”

A: Until recently, women have been under-diagnosed with heart disease as it was considered a man’s disease. Many of the early research studies in heart disease did not include many women. Other reasons may include an older age at presentation as well as a difference in symptoms compared to men.

Q: Describe any unique symptoms women may have while having a heart attack?

A: Women may have what are considered typical symptoms of a heart attack such as chest pressure, shortness of breath and sweating. However, symptoms also may include shoulder and back pain, nausea, or severe fatigue.

Q: What risk factors increase a woman’s chance of having heart disease?

A: Risk factors include a family history of heart disease, smoking, age older than 55,high blood pressure and cholesterol and obesity.

Q: What are some preventive measures women can take to prevent heart disease?

A: Know your numbers: weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Don’t smoke. Eat a heart healthy diet. Exercise.

— Coshandra Dillard