Adventist Health Bakersfield | You + Us | Spring 2019

3 Lack of awareness of the risk—coupled with the fact that heart attack signs often are dismissed by women—adds to the danger, says Todd Peterson, DO, medical director of Adventist Health Bakersfield’s Chest Pain Center. “Women simply may have neck or jaw pain. If that lasts 20 or 30 minutes and it’s not going away, definitely seek medical care,” Dr. Peterson says. Getting stronger and healthier Linda’s now much more attuned to her heart health. She’s in cardiac rehabilitation at Adventist Health Bakersfield—the only program in Kern County accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. As part of the program, Linda receives nutrition counseling to encourage a healthy, plant- based diet. She also exercises three days a week while cardiac rehab experts monitor her heart to ensure that she’s on a path to recovery. That’s important to Linda, who’s looking forward to her husband’s retirement so they can enjoy their golden years traveling the countryside and spending time with family. “I have lots to do,” she says. Listen to your body Know the more subtle signs of a heart attack Women too often brush off heart attack symptoms. They may blame them on something else, like heartburn, stress or the flu. Rather than seeking help, they risk their lives. Why? One key reason is that heart attack symptoms in women can be different from what they expect. Most heart attacks involve discomfort—felt in the center of the chest—that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes. Many people describe it as pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. That said, women can experience a heart attack with less obvious signs or symptoms, including: Cold sweat, dizziness or light-headedness Extreme fatigue Nausea and vomiting Shortness of breath Pain in the jaw or upper or lower back Call 911—don’t delay . If you have any of the signs above, call 911 right away. Ask to be taken to Adventist Health Bakersfield. Reacting quickly to a heart attack could save your life. It’s important to know your numbers. Part of that is having a great doctor you trust. Need help to find a doctor? Call us: 855-448-0067 .