Task 6  Recognizing Details

        Watch a video clip “Heart Disease in Women” twice and decide whether each of the statements below is TRUE (T) or FALSE (F).

 T1. Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined.

   T  2. Maxine was having a heart attack whenshe was just 41 years old.

   F   3.Maxine said that she was a smoker and had high blood pressure.

  F   4. Women are more likely to have such typical symptoms as shortness of breath, light headedness, pain in the jaw,neck or arms, nausea, etc.

  T   5. The atypical symptoms are most common in younger women and are not always recognized as a serious threat.

T    6. It is as important for women to recognize atypical symptoms as to act on them and get medical help.

  F   7. There is little gender difference in the symptoms of heart attack.

Heart disease in women

        We‘’re back now with important health news about a silent killer among women. Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. In fact it kills more women than all cancers combined. And a new study this week is highlighting why so many women are dying. Serving as a warming to pay attention to what their bodies are telling them. We get that story tonight from our chief medical editor Dr. Nancy Snytderman.

        Maxine Levy remembers the night she was awake in a cold sweat with overwhelming nausea. Something that wasn’t just a stomach bug, she told her husband to call 911.

        My husband looked at me and he said “Have you lost your mind?” I said, “ Maybe, but let’s call 911 and see what they say,” Maxine said.

        At just 41 years old, Maxine was having a heart attack.

      “That was not at all on my radar. Not possible. I wasn't a smoker. I had low blood pressure. I didn't have diabetes, "Maxine said

        And she did not have chest pain.

        A new study shows 42% of women who arrive at the hospital already having a heart attack don't have that classic red flag. And once at the hospital nearly 15% of women die, compared with 10% of men. One reason is that women are more likely to have atypical symptoms: shortness of breath, light headedness, pain in the jaw, neck or arms, nausea, cold sweats and extreme fatigue. Those symptoms which are most common in younger women are not always recognized as a serious threat.

       “This creates a perfect storm. Because women get to the hospital later, they’re traditionally sicker when they arrive,” said Dr. Lori Mosca of Columbia University Medical Center.

        Recognizing atypical symptoms of the heart attack is one thing. But empowering women to act on them and get medical help, that's a completely different matter.

      “Research has shown that only 50% of them would actually call 911 if they thought they were experiencing a heart attack, " Dr. Lori Mosca said.

        Linda Bugby ignored her symptoms for years.

      “Overtired, terribly stressed, tightness in my chest, pain in my jaw. But I thought it was heart burn, " Linda Bugby said.

        She was ultimately diagnosed with heart disease, but says she paid a hefty price for putting things off as long as she did.

        I medicated myself with anti-acids and an aspirin, knowing way back in my mind that it was probably serious, " Linda Bugby said.

        Linda and Maxine are reminders that gender can make a difference. Knowing those differences and acting on them can save your life.

      “We can't give you those life-saving therapies when you show up at the hospital too late, " Dr. Lori Mosca said.