Adeyemi Maxwell

GENERALLY, women are in the majority of caregivers and care providers and many times they perform multiple roles and multitask on a continuous basis, ranging from regular work to motherly roles and domestic responsibilities.

In the relentless juggle of domestic and external responsibilities, women often find themselves too busy to prioritise their own well-being. Neglecting subtle symptoms can lead to serious health challenges, emphasising the need for women to pay attention to their bodies. The following signs and symptoms are indicators that could point to impeding ill health that, if ignored, may result in significant health complications.

1.

Sudden weakness: Sudden weakness can be a concerning sign, potentially indicating an impending stroke. A stroke occurs when there is a disruption in blood flow to the brain, leading to cell damage. Women, like men, may experience sudden confusion, slurred speech, blurred vision and difficulty walking. Ignoring these symptoms could delay crucial medical intervention, increasing the risk of long-term complications such as paralysis or cognitive impairment.

Recognising these signs promptly is essential for seeking emergency medical care, which may involve therapies to restore blood flow and prevent further damage. Women with risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidemia should pay particular attention to these signs.

2.

Continuous breathing difficulties: Persistent difficulty in breathing is a red flag that necessitates attention. Inadequate oxygen supply to the heart can result in various cardiovascular issues, with women facing a higher risk of silent heart attacks. The symptoms may manifest as fatigue, shortness of breath and excessive tiredness.

Addressing breathing difficulties promptly is crucial for evaluating heart health as early intervention can prevent severe cardiac events and improve overall well-being.

3.

Chest pain: Chest pain accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, discomfort in the arms, shoulders and jaw may indicate underlying heart conditions. Heaviness on the chest and epigastric pain which may be passed off as reflux disease or "gas" can also be uncommon signs of heart disease that may need further investigation. It is vital for women to recognise these signs as heart disease is a leading cause of morbidity.

Timely medical attention can involve diagnostic tests such as electrocardiograms and blood tests to assess cardiac function. Ignoring chest pain may lead to complications such as heart attacks, emphasising the significance of immediate medical intervention.

4.

Vision changes: Changes in vision, especially sudden difficulties in seeing from both eyes, can be indicative of a stroke, especially if the stroke is affecting the part of the brain that controls vision. Change in vision may also be due to other eye-related issues. These changes may involve vision loss, blurred vision or alterations in perception.

Seeking prompt medical evaluation is crucial to determine the cause and initiate appropriat