Symptoms of a heart attack in women – how to recognize them

Caution! Note that the mass symptoms of a heart attack in women can differ significantly from those in men! Here are a few factors to be aware of when talking about the danger of heart attacks in women.

Let’s start by saying that heart attack is the number one cause of death for women, but ironically, we often confuse it with other, much less threatening conditions, such as the common flu or normal symptoms of aging.

According to the American Heart Association, every 34 seconds a person dies of a heart attack. This happens when the blood vessels are narrowed by plaques, such as cholesterol, that stick to them, preventing blood from moving freely and supplying the heart with oxygen. In some cases, the blood vessels are even blocked completely!

The truth is that most people are well aware of the warning symptoms of pre-infarction conditions in men, but unfortunately, almost no one knows that in women these symptoms are quite different. This, in turn, can be fatal because it delays receiving life-saving help.

In women, the symptoms are vague and quite often too muted, so unfortunately the probability that they will be missed and life-saving help will not be received in time is high. That is why our goal is to introduce you to the most common symptoms in ladies.

• Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is one of the first worrying symptoms, especially if it is combined with some of the symptoms listed below of heart attack in women. You may suddenly feel short of breath for no apparent reason. The sensation is often compared to what people feel when they have just run up the stairs.

• Extreme Fatigue

Many women report experiencing a symptom similar to extreme fatigue, even when they they were sitting and didn’t move much. Even getting out of a chair and going to the bathroom could seem like an enormous effort. Sometimes a heart attack in women begins with an extreme drop in energy.

• Profuse sweating

This is a nervous and cold sweat, which is different from what one experiences when walking outside in the heat. If in general you do not sweat like this and this is not usual for you or it has not happened to you before, seek medical help. In order not to confuse it with a symptom of menopause, pay attention to whether some of the other symptoms are also present.

• Stomachache

Sometimes stomachache, which can be a symptom of a heart attack, is mistaken for heartburn, the flu, and even an ulcer . Cardiologist Dr. Goldberg of the Joan Tisch Center for Women’s Health in New York says the pain is associated with a huge weight on the stomach, “It’s like a whole elephant is sitting there.”

• Pains in the upper body

Pains in the upper body such as pain in the neck, upper arms, shoulders or something similar should not be ignored. This type of symptoms also occurs in men, but much more so in women. This type of pain can appear gradually or suddenly. The pain may come and go before it becomes more intense. If you are asleep, it may wake you up. It’s a good idea to tell your doctor if you’ve been experiencing any of the above symptoms.

• Chest pain or discomfort

This is one of the most classic symptoms of an impending heart attack. However, there is again a difference between men and women. For example, in men, chest pain is most often on the left side, while in women this is not always the case. In addition, ladies describe a different sensation such as fullness in the chest or a squeezing, even squeezing sensation.

Of course, you don’t have to experience all of these symptoms. For this reason, if you experience chest discomfort, especially if you have other symptoms, call 911 immediately. Taking unnecessary risks with some of the above heart attack symptoms is unlikely to earn you a pat on the back, and it’s far better to take early action before it’s too late for any.