What we need to know about Heart Attacks in Women
- Heart attacks are the number one killer of women (as well as men)
- Heart attack symptoms can be more subtle in women
- Women are not men, there are physical reasons such as pregnancy and menopause that account for some variable symptoms in women
- Heart attacks are often not promptly diagnosed/treated in women
- Women are more likely to experience “silent” heart attacks
Risks
- Diabetes (more common in women than men)
- Mental Stress and Depression
- Smoking
- Inactivity
- Menopause (due to estrogen changes)
- Some chemotherapy such as those used to treat breast cancer
- Pregnancy complications
Symptoms – onset often at rest or during stress
- Odd feeling in the chest or minor chest discomfort rather than severe pain
- Often described as pressure or tightness
- Palpitations
- Neck, jaw, upper back or shoulder discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or odd sensation in arm(s)
- Abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Sweating
- Lightheadedness, dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
Women should not ignore these symptoms and should work to reduce those risk factors in their control.
Sources: mayoclinic.com, prevention.com, womenshealth.gov, healthline.com
Crooked Creek by Sue Mattingly 