Medical Update - February 16, 2005

A warning for women about heart attacks, plus the latest on reducing your risk of stroke and what researchers say makes up a happy marriage. <br/><br/>Here's News on 6 anchor LeAnne Taylor with this

Wednesday, February 16th 2005, 9:17 am

By: News On 6

A warning for women about heart attacks, plus the latest on reducing your risk of stroke and what researchers say makes up a happy marriage.

Here's News on 6 anchor LeAnne Taylor with this Medical Update.

On Valentine's Day, a question, what makes a happy marriage? Researchers say it has something to do with how couples behave. A new study found married couples often share the same attitudes about faith and other values.

Those with similar personalities were the happiest. After evaluating nearly 300 couples, researchers found personality driven traits like being open, easy-going or organized are likely to play a bigger role in a happy marriage than similar beliefs.

We all know high blood pressure is a key risk factor for stroke, but people with normal blood pressure are also at risk. A new study identified a number of key risk factors and found there are many that you can control.

Topping the list, smoking and being overweight. And February is National Heart month and the Heart Association reminds us that 8 million American women have heart disease, 400,000 women will have a heart attack this year. It's surprising but a lot of women don't even know the signs of a heart attack, which by the way, are different than a man's.

You may experience pressure in the chest, neck or jaw, light headaches, nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath.

Early detection is the key to surviving a heart attack and maintaining a healthy lifestyle could keep you from experiencing a heart attack.