Matters of the Heart

Since it is Valentine's Day I thought I would write a blog about the heart. And no, not the heart you find on the card from your sweetheart. I'm talking about the one in your chest.
According to MSN Health and Fitness heart disease is the number one killer of women. It is responsible for more than the next five causes of death combined. Perhaps women use their hearts more than men, because they love more deeply? Perhaps I am a complete cornball? Well, one of those things is true.

Another common misconception is that women are less prone to heart attacks. According to MSN women are just as likely as men to experience a heart attack, however women are more likely to complain of different symptoms than men. Both sexes experience chest pain, but women are more likely than men to experience the less common symptoms like back pain, fatigue, and jaw pain.

Dr. Sharonne Hayes gives some simple rules for maintaining a healthy heart: be active, stay at a healthy weight, and don't smoke. As for reducing your chances of a broken heart... you're on your own.