Heart attack symptoms in women are often 'silent' but the
consequences of not noticing them can be life threatening. Besides frequent
heart screenings, knowing the signs can help prevent heart attacks.
A heart attack is something that affects both genders, but
the symptoms can vary from men to women.
Different symptoms in men and women
The most common symptoms that men experience during a heart
attack are chest discomfort, pains and pressure. While women might suffer the
same symptoms, some heart attack symptoms in women aren’t as obvious.
Signs of heart attacks in women may manifest themselves in
common with symptoms of more trivial illnesses such as the flu. The assumption
that it’s nothing to worry about could prove to be fatal as the consequences of
not getting immediate medical attention often include disability, stroke and in
extreme cases, death.
Because signs of heart attacks in women can be so unusual,
it’s important women know the specific heart attack symptoms that their gender
are likely to experience, so that they are able to get the help they need in
time.
Signs of heart attack in women
1. Chest pain or discomfort
This symptom is usually a sign of heart attacks in women. It
may either feel like fullness or tightness around the chest area. Pains can
occur anywhere in the chest, so shouldn’t be brushed off just because the pain
isn’t on the left side.
2. Pain in the arm(s), back, neck, or jaw
With the name 'heart attack', most of us would never expect
the pain to be anywhere else, but pain in other areas such as both arms, the
jaw and neck are some of the common heart attack symptoms in women. The pain
could be gradual and irregular or could come on very suddenly and intensely.
3. Stomach pain
Often confused with heartburn or a stomach ulcer, extreme
pain in the stomach could very well be one of the signs of heart attacks in
women. At other times it may not occur as pain, but rather as a great pressure
in the abdominal area.
4. Shortness of breath, nausea, or feeling lightheaded
For women a feeling of being unable to catch their breath even though they haven’t taken part in any strenuous exercise might seem trivial, but chances are, they might be having a heart attack. Women who are experiencing this and any other symptoms mentioned here should seek immediate medical help.
5. Fatigue
Similarly, feeling really tired despite having done nothing
physically demanding is usually one of the telltale signs of heart attacks in
women. The tiredness is sometimes so extreme that simple activities like
walking to the bathroom become a struggle.
6. Sweating
It’s normal to sweat during summer time or if traveling in
the south, but women that are experiencing a cold sweat for no apparent reason
(or hot flashes), should consult a doctor immediately as this is one of the
signs of heart attacks in women. This type of sweat is not like the normal
perspiration caused by physical activity but similar to a stress-related cold
sweat.
For your peace of mind, talk to one of our heart specialists
today. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact our
Appointment Service Center at 400.819.6622.
Article reviewed by Dr. Joey Loh, Cardiologist at
ParkwayHealth
Copyright: Health Plus an online health and wellness web
resource developed by Parkway Singapore
