With Valentine’s Day drawing near and pretty red boxes of chocolates lying in wait to be bestowed on the objects of our affection, we turn our thoughts to matters of the heart. And that’s just fine with the American Heart Association, which has deemed February American Heart Month. Let those lace-trimmed, shiny boxes be a reminder of your own heart.

When it comes to the battle of the sexes, we all know men and women are vastly different. But did you know that recent research shows just how different, at least when it comes to their hearts?

Women’s symptoms of a heart attack, as opposed to men’s, are often vague and can be misdiagnosed, said Mary Sidell, registered nurse and member of the American Heart Association local board of directors.

“The Women at Risk symposium is an educational conference designed for women to help inform them – and the men who love them – of women’s risk factors and important ways to take charge of their health,” said Sidell, chairwoman of the event to be held Feb. 7 at the Bangor Civic Center. “We’ve designed the day and program so women can learn more about what truly is their biggest health threat.”

Symptoms can be present for years but may accelerate as long as a month prior to the heart attack itself. And some women may have heart disease without even realizing it, she said, adding that the risk increases with age – especially in post-menopausal women who no longer produce estrogen.

“The model of crushing chest pain and the pain down the left arm are out the window today, as the only sign of a heart attack,” said Sidell. “Most people don’t fit these classic symptoms. That would make diagnosis easy.”

Women having a heart attack may experience symptoms such as:

. Mild chest pain.

. Unusual fatigue.

. Pressure or pain in the upper back, shoulders, neck, jaw or arms.

. Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.

. Light-headedness, weakness and dizziness.

. Breaking out in a cold sweat.

. Nausea, or stomach or abdominal pain.

. Unexplained feelings of anxiety or dread.

. Discomfort, fullness, tightness, and squeezing or pressure in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or is regularly repeated.

. Increase in fluid retention.

. Unexplained coughing.

The tests used to diagnose a heart attack are sometimes inconclusive in women and follow-up is necessary, said Sidell.

“The bottom line is to not ignore symptoms and to listen to your body,” she said. “It’s about knowing your body – and people do – but often they don’t want to listen. It’s denial. They want to explain [the symptoms] away, but it’s that inkling that something is wrong. Listen to it.”

If you are having any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. While it may turn out to be nothing, time is of the essence if there is a problem. Be sure to have a thorough cardiac evaluation including an electrocardiogram, EKG, or an echocardiogram and a blood test to check your cardiac enzymes.

Be particularly aware of these symptoms if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.

“The heart is the main organ that keeps everything else going,” Sidell said. “The body is an amazing thing, so pay attention to its warnings and take care of it. And I can’t emphasize this strongly enough – the absolute best thing you can do for your heart, if you smoke, is to quit.”

For more information on the Women At Risk conference, call (800) 937-0944.

“I see women put everyone else first,” said Sidell. This conference can help women better care for themselves, which can, in turn, only help their loved ones, she added.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.