Women often have many of the same signs and symptoms of a heart attack as men; however, in some cases they can also have very different symptoms. The symptoms can be general and not always identified as common symptoms of a heart attack. This is the reason many women do not seek treatment right away or may not be fully treated by their physicians. With a heart attack, the sooner you get professional help, the more likely your chances of survival. Learning to recognize the common signs as well as the not-so-common female signs can go a long way to getting the care you need.
Identification
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when the tissues that make up the heart muscle die. To function properly, the heart needs an adequate supply of blood and oxygen. If your arteries become narrowed due to disease or for any reason, the blood and oxygen supply to the heart is limited, and cells of the heart muscle will be permanently damaged. The amount that the heart is damaged and the severity of the heart attack are dependent on the size and area of the heart that is affected and the time that elapses before you receive treatment.
Common Symptoms
Women, just like men, often experience classic symptoms when having a heart attack. This includes pressure, pain or heaviness in the chest and/or in the arm. Feelings similar to heartburn, sweating, vomiting and dizziness are also symptoms. Irregular or pounding heartbeats can also signal you that you are having a heart attack. However, in some cases, a heart attack can occur quickly with no warning signs at all.
Specific Female Symptoms
Women can often have symptoms that are not normally associated with having a heart attack. These can include extreme fatigue, nausea and feeling faint. A woman's heart attack is sometimes misdiagnosed as a gastrointestinal problem and may not be properly treated. Shortness of breath, upper abdominal pressure, back pain and jaw pain are other common heart attack symptoms women can experience. Some women can have a heart attack without ever having the classic sign of chest pain and tightness.
Other Signs
Women may experience the more general symptoms listed above as early as 6 months before a heart attack occurs. Symptoms of fatigue, indigestion and back pain should be investigated, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease or a family history of it. These symptoms can occur even at rest and may not be associated with being physically active or straining.
If you think you may be having a heart attack, it is important to call or an ambulance right away. Do not wait for the symptoms to pass or drive yourself to the hospital. Remember, an ambulance carries special life-saving equipment to help you survive until you get to the emergency room.
Considerations
Almost half of all patients who die from heart attacks are women. It is not just the number one killer of men. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), not only can women have different symptoms of heart attack, they also respond to the situation differently as well. Women are less likely to believe and accept they are having a heart attack, and they tend to be less prone to seek treatment. The NIH states that women tend to be about 10 years older than men when they have a heart attack. This means that other chronic health conditions may mimic symptoms of a heart attack and cause women to delay getting care.
