If you're a woman younger than 55, you may not have "heart attack" toward the top of your list of health concerns. However, according to new research, younger women in the U.S. are experiencing heart attacks at a higher rate than they were 20 years ago.
The good news: You can take steps to improve or preserve your heart health, at any age.

First things first: How to spot a heart attack

Women experience heart attacks differently than men. Yes, there's the chest pain, but there are also a few other symptoms women are more likely to experience:

• back or jaw pain
  
• dizziness or lightheadedness
  
• shortness of breath
  
• nausea and vomiting
  
• sudden fatigue
  
• cold sweats that aren't related to menopause
  

If you notice any of these signs of a heart attack in you or someone else, call 911 immediately.

So, what's going on here?

Why are younger women having more heart attacks these days? Well we don't really know. Researchers think that it could be tied to the rising rates of heart disease risk factors in this population. Basically that more younger women today have high blood pressure and/or diabetes, among other risk factors.

No matter what age you are, a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk for heart problems. Keep your heart healthy by doing the following:

• See a provider. Get regular wellness exams.
  
• Get and keep moving. Try getting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, plus two or more days of strength training.
  
• Quit smoking. Or if you don't smoke, don't start.
  
• Eat a healthy diet. Fill up on foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium. Check out this heart-healthy recipe to help keep you on track.

Do you have questions or concerns about your cardiovascular health? Consult a physician at the Heart and Vascular Center or ask your primary care provider what might be right for you.