Symptoms of heart attacks in women are often misunderstood. That’s why more often than not, women experience delayed treatment and worse outcomes. Unlike men, women can experience heart attack symptoms that are less obvious. This is why it’s crucial to understand the unique symptoms.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about heart attacks in women, including common symptoms, preventative measures, and more.
Understanding Heart Attacks in Women
Heart attacks occur when blood flow to a portion of the heart is blocked. This causes damage to the heart tissue. Blockages usually happen due to a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. These arteries can rupture and form a blood clot.
Women often experience heart attack symptoms that are different from what men experience. You’ve probably heard of the symptoms men experience because they are the most talked about. Men typically feel intense chest pain along with left arm pain while women might have more subtle signs. These signs include shortness of breath, nausea, or back and jaw pain.
Heart attacks are a leading cause of death among women, accounting for about one in every five female deaths. Despite how common heart attacks are in women, many of them are unaware of their risk.
Common Symptoms of Heart Attacks in Women
Chest Pain or Discomfort
Women experiencing a heart attack might feel pain or discomfort in their chest. However, it often manifests as pressure or a feeling of fullness rather than the sharp pain that men experience. This sensation can be mild or intense and may not be centered in the chest.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another common symptom in women. She might feel like she can’t catch her breath even if she’s resting. This can occur with or without chest pain or discomfort and is often experienced with other symptoms.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting as a symptom of a heart attack in women are frequently mistaken for less severe conditions. If you feel unusually nauseous or start vomiting without a specific reason, it could be a sign of a heart attack.
Back, Neck, or Jaw Pain
Pain in the back, neck, or jaw can be a significant indicator of a heart attack. The pain can come on suddenly or gradually build. It can be intense enough to wake you from sleep.
Fatigue
Unusual or unexplainable fatigue is a common, early warning sign, of a heart attack in women. You might feel unusually tired even after a good night’s sleep or experience sudden, severe fatigue that makes it hard to carry out your daily activities.
Risk Factors for Heart Attacks in Women
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High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure makes your heart work harder than it should. This strain increases the risk of a heart attack by accelerating the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is another significant contributor to causing a heart attack. When you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it forms plaque on the walls of your arteries. This plaque can narrow the arteries, which in turn restricts blood flow and leads to heart attacks if the plaque ruptures and forms a clot.
Diabetes
Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart attacks. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control your heart. Additionally, women with diabetes often have other high-risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure. This increases their risk too.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing heart attack symptoms in women is crucial for a better outcome. Hopefully this article helped you better understand heart attacks in women. The best thing you can do for yourself is stay informed, monitor your health, have regular check-ups.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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