Women-Signs of a Heart Attack
Signs of a Heart Attack in Women are Different than in Men
Patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome, impaired
flow to the arteries feeding the heart, may present in different
ways. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most
heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often
people affected are not sure what is wrong and wait too long before
getting help.
It is important for women to understand they are just as likely
as men to have heart attacks and that the symptoms may be different
from men's. Women are less likely than men to believe they
are having a heart attack. And, women are more likely than
men to delay seeking emergency treatment.
Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is
happening:
* Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort
in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or
that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable
pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
* Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can
include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw
or stomach.
* Shortness of breath with or without chest
discomfort.
* Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea
or lightheadedness.
Women, diabetic patients and the elderly may present with
atypical symptoms such as a change in their breathing status, a
vague, unusual sensation in their chest, arms, teeth, neck and
back, unexplained sweating and nausea. Remember "when in doubt ,
check it out". Don't put off calling 911.