Health

Does taking birth control pills increase my risk for heart disease?

Taking birth control pills is generally safe for young, healthy women. But birth control pills can pose heart disease risks for some women, especially women older than 35; women with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol; and women who smoke. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the pill.

If you’re taking birth control pills, watch for signs of trouble, including:

• Eye problems such as blurred or double vision
• Pain in the upper body or arm
• Bad headaches
• Problems breathing
• Spitting up blood
• Swelling or pain in the leg
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Breast lumps
• Unusual (not normal) heavy bleeding from your vagina

If you have any of these symptoms, call 911.

Sometimes my heart beats really fast and other times it feels like my heart skips a beat. Am I having a heart attack?

Most people have changes in their heartbeat from time to time. These changes in heartbeat are, for most people, harmless. As you get older, you’re more likely to have heartbeats that feel different. Don’t panic if you have a few flutters or if your heart races once in a while. If you have flutters AND other symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t get enough air), call 911.

What are the signs of a heart attack?

Not everyone has all of the warning signs of heart attack. And, sometimes these signs can go away and come back.Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest
• Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Other symptoms, such as shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t get enough air), breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), or feeling faint or woozy

Some women have more vague symptoms such as:

• Unusual tiredness
• Trouble sleeping
• Problems breathing
• Indigestion (upset stomach)
• Anxiety (feeling uneasy or worried)

If you think you, or someone else, may be having a heart attack, wait no more than a few minutes—five at most—before calling 911.