Health
Unlocking the Mystery: Unique Heart Attack Symptoms Women Need to Know
When envisioning a heart attack, the image of an older man clutching his chest often comes to mind. However, this stereotype does not capture the full picture, especially for women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, and the symptoms of a heart attack can manifest quite differently in women compared to men.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is insufficient, potentially causing damage or death to that area if not promptly restored. According to Dr. Regina S. Druz, a cardiologist from Long Island, New York, several risk factors increase the likelihood of a heart attack. These include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, a history of smoking, a family history of heart disease, and being medically overweight. Although heart attacks are more common in older adults, they can occur at any age. Dr. Druz advises maintaining a healthy weight, normal blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and good cholesterol balance to reduce the risk.
Women often experience heart attacks with symptoms that differ from the classic chest pain commonly associated with the condition. “While chest pain is the most common symptom for all genders, women tend to get the more atypical heart attack symptoms more often than men,” explains Dr. Druz. This difference in symptom presentation can lead to delays in seeking treatment, which is why recognizing these signs is crucial.
One of the lesser-known symptoms is discomfort that may not be centered in the chest. Pain can radiate to the arms, shoulders, back, neck, jaw, or even the upper stomach. Dr. Druz notes, “Patients sometimes feel that the pain or discomfort is more intense in other areas than the chest.” This pain should not be dismissed, especially if it lacks an obvious cause, intensifies over time, or accompanies other symptoms.
Shortness of breath is another symptom more frequently observed in women. This sensation can occur independently of chest pain and may feel similar to a panic attack. “If you can’t catch your breath for more than a minute or two, get it checked out,” advises Dr. Druz.
Women may also experience symptoms akin to severe flu, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting. “The symptoms are much more intense than with the flu,” says Dr. Druz, and unlike the flu, these symptoms are not accompanied by a fever.
Sudden, overwhelming fatigue is another possible indicator of a heart attack, making even simple daily tasks difficult. This exhaustion is not typical chronic fatigue but rather a debilitating form that should prompt immediate medical attention.
In the event of a heart attack, it’s crucial to seek emergency help immediately. Taking aspirin can help dissolve a blood clot, potentially minimizing damage to the heart. Emergency responders will provide necessary treatments like oxygen and nitroglycerin while transporting the patient to a hospital.
Sometimes, heart attacks may go unnoticed or present with mild symptoms that resolve on their own. Dr. Druz explains, “These heart attacks could be picked up through sensitive techniques that allow to see if a very small area of the heart may not have seen enough blood flow, and therefore could have suffered a heart attack.” Silent heart attacks are more common among older adults, those with communication difficulties, and diabetic patients.
Ultimately, being vigilant about unusual symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention can save lives. As Dr. Druz emphasizes, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to heart health.
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