DON’T HAVE A HEART ATTACK, BUT . . .

One in four women will have a heart condition before 60; menopause increases the risk threefold.

Heart attack symptoms in women may not be the typical tightness or chest pain; expect an uneasy feeling in the chest, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and/or swollen feet.

The World Health Organisation estimates the burden of noncommunicable diseases in South Africa to be at least double that in developed countries, accounting for up to 43% of adult deaths.

Smoking, alcohol, obesity, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyles heighten the risk; reduce the risk by maintaining healthy weight, limiting salt and alcohol, and reducing stress. — The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA.