Heart disease is the second leading cause of death for all women in South Carolina, and is the leading killer for African-American women in the Palmetto State.
- 4,351 - The number of women who died from heart disease in South Carolina in 2013.
- 23,065 - The number of hospitalizations due to heart disease for women in South Carolina in 2013.
- $1.24 billion - The cost of hospitalizations due to heart disease for women in S.C. in 2013
Warning signs of a heart attack:
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
- Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder
- Shortness of breath
Like men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain. But women are more likely than men to have other symptoms like:
- fatigue
- nausea or vomiting
- shortness of breath
- back or jaw pain
Act Fast. Call 9-1-1!
- If you think you're having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away - not a friend.
- Calling 9-1-1 is the best way to get to the hospital.
- Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin life-saving treatment immediately.
- You're likely to receive faster treatment at the hospital if you arrive by ambulance.
- Never drive yourself or have someone drive you to the hospital unless you have no other option.