Diseases that attack women and men differently (2)

Heart disease and heart attacks
Did you know? Only one third (36 percent) of Canadian women are aware that the sudden pain in the chest, arms, neck, jaw or back are not always the most common symptoms that a woman suffers a heart attack.

Fact: 43 percent of women report unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting during a heart attack - no chest pain.

Women need to understand that they are more likely to have atypical symptoms of a heart attack than men, says Dr. Martin, who notes that some people with diabetes may have a heart attack and not even know it. It is therefore important for people with diabetes to hit their targets for blood sugar and control cholesterol.

Furthermore, according to the heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.

Women can be completely asymptomatic, as the disease of clogged heart arteries, says Dr. Martin. If you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and if you smoke, are overweight and sedentary, which is in danger and need to talk to your doctor says.


Depression
Did you know? 61 per cent of women are not aware that the number of men and women who experience depression in their lives is not the same.

Fact: Research shows that women are twice as likely as men to experience depression.

According to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, "Many hormonal factors may contribute to increased rates of depression in women - especially in times such as changes in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and postpartum, miscarriage, pre-menopausal and menopause. "

Research shows that exercise is a great antidepressant. "Studies show cardiovascular exercise can greatly improve the morale of people," says Dr. Martin. "I encourage people prone to depression to maintain a regular, routine and predictable."

It is also important that women talk to their doctors about their symptoms so they can seek appropriate treatment. For more information about depression, visit the Center for Addiction and Mental Health website.

Arthritis
Did you know? Nearly half (45 percent) of women do not know more women suffer from arthritis than men.

Fact: Two thirds of Canadians living with arthritis are women. And women are twice as likely to be disabled by arthritis than men.

"People often remove the pain and discomfort and pain of aging," says Dr. Martin. A common misconception is that osteoporosis and arthritis have a connection. Arthritis is not normal and a woman who suffers from any pain you should visit your doctor.

Although there is no cure for arthritis, may slow down by staying active and maintaining a healthy body weight.