Women are more at risk of having a heart attack, but the signs are not as noticeable and similar to chest in men.
Heart diseases are becoming increasingly common in every age group. It is no longer just a thing of old age. The symptoms can be different in men and women. According to research and several studies, women are more at risk of experiencing a heart attack. The symptoms may not be as noticelable too. chest pain is one of the most common signs for a person having a heart attack. Because women’s heart attack symptoms can differ from men’s, women might be diagnosed less often with heart disease than are men. Women are more likely than men to have a heart attack with no severe blockage in an artery (nonobstructive coronary artery disease).
Recognizing heart attack symptoms, especially in women, is crucial. Unlike the classic Hollywood heart attack depiction, chest pain is not always severe or even the most apparent sign in women. Women often describe heart attack pain as tightness or pressure in the chest. Moreover, chest pain may not always indicate a heart attack.
HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN
- Upper Body Discomfort: Women can experience discomfort or pain not only in the chest but also in other areas of the upper body, such as the back, neck, jaw, or shoulder.
- Shortness of Breath: Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath as a prominent symptom, sometimes even without chest discomfort.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Nausea or vomiting can be a symptom of a heart attack in women, even when chest pain is not severe.
- Unusual Fatigue: Women may feel an unusual and overwhelming fatigue that can last for days, weeks, or even months before a heart attack.
- Cold Sweats: Cold sweats, often accompanied by feeling lightheaded or dizzy, can be a symptom of a heart attack in women.
- Indigestion or Heartburn: Some women may mistake heart attack symptoms for indigestion or heartburn.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping, unexplained anxiety, or a sense of impending doom can sometimes precede a heart attack in women.
- Pain in the Lower Chest or Upper Abdomen: Some women may experience discomfort or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, which can be mistaken for digestive issues.