A holistic, complementary approach at Global Health Clinics (Auckland)
Lisa Edmondson, Nurse, Women’s Health and Hormone Lead, Master Holistic Health Coach
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked long enough to damage the heart muscle. While men and women share many symptoms, women can present differently, and too many warning signs are missed or minimised. In Aotearoa New Zealand, thousands of women are affected every year—this is not just a men’s issue.
If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 111 immediately. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Common symptoms in men and women
- Chest pain or discomfort: pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the centre or left side of the chest
- Shortness of breath: with or without chest discomfort
- Pain in other areas: one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
Symptoms that are more common in women
Women are more likely to experience heart attack symptoms that don’t focus on the chest:
- Unusual fatigue (sometimes for days beforehand)
- Shortness of breath at rest or with light activity, often without chest pain
- Upper back, neck, throat, or jaw pain (burning, tightness, or squeezing)
- Nausea, vomiting, indigestion or severe “stomach” pain
If something feels “not right”—especially a new combination of the above—seek urgent medical help.
Risk factors you can act on
Men and women share many risks: smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, excess weight, inactivity, unhealthy diet, excess alcohol, family history, and age.
Women also have sex-specific considerations:
- Perimenopause and menopause: risk rises as estrogen declines
- Pregnancy-related disorders: preeclampsia, gestational diabetes
- Autoimmune conditions: more common in women and linked with higher cardiovascular risk
When to seek emergency help
Call 111 if you or someone else has:
- Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
- Severe shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness
- Any concerning combination of symptoms (e.g., chest pressure + breathlessness + nausea/cold sweat)
Respecting medical care—and adding holistic support
Global Health provides complementary, holistic care that works alongside your GP, cardiologist, and cardiac rehab team. We never discourage medical assessment, medication, or procedures—especially in emergencies. Instead, we help you lower risk, recover confidence, and feel better day-to-day.
How Global Health can help
1) Personalised heart-health review (non-diagnostic)
- Clarify family history and personal risk factors
- Home blood pressure guidance, waist and body composition tracking
- Coordination with your GP for blood tests (lipids, HbA1c, kidney function, iron, vitamin D) and eligibility for a Heart Health Check
2) Anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean-style nutrition
- Practical meal frameworks rich in plants, fibre, legumes, nuts/seeds, olive oil, and quality proteins
- Strategies to reduce added sugar, refined grains, and excess sodium
- Guidance for triglycerides, LDL, blood pressure, and glucose stability
- Smart swaps for busy schedules and whānau-friendly cooking
3) Metabolic support
- Coaching for insulin resistance, sustainable weight management, and mindful eating
- Where appropriate, clinician-guided supplements (e.g., omega-3 for high triglycerides, magnesium for muscle relaxation/sleep, plant sterols/viscous fibre to support LDL)—only alongside your GP’s plan and medications
4) Stress, sleep, and nervous-system regulation
- Sleep hygiene tailored to your routine; screening referrals for suspected sleep apnoea
- Breathwork, mindfulness, and gentle nervous-system practices to improve heart-rate variability and reduce blood-pressure spikes
5) Safe, progressive movement
- Individualised activity plans (walking, mobility, and gradual resistance training) with clear return-to-movement guidance post-event—coordinated with cardiac rehab and your doctor
6) Menopause-aware strategies
- Support for body composition, blood pressure, and lipid changes across perimenopause/menopause
- Collaborative conversations with your GP about medical options (including HRT) where appropriate
7) Smoking & alcohol coaching
- Practical, non-judgemental plans to reduce or quit smoking and right-size alcohol intake; we align with pharmacotherapy or specialist services when needed
8) Advanced lifestyle insights
- Hair-follicle analysis and wellbeing assessments to personalise nutrition and lifestyle recommendations across metabolism, stress load, and recovery—used as adjuncts, not diagnostics
After a heart attack: we work with your medical team to complement medication, cardiac rehab, and specialist advice—helping you build habits that stick, monitor progress, and feel supported.
Ready for heart-smart, holistic support?
If you want a plan that respects medical care and gives you practical, complementary tools for everyday life, we’d love to help. Book a consultation at Global Health (Auckland) and let’s build your personalised heart-health roadmap.