Men and women both have risk factors for heart disease. According to "Harvard Women's Health Watch," women have a greater chance of dying from heart disease and they are twice as likely to have a second heart attack within six years of the first. Men and women may experience different symptoms, which affects when they seek medical attention.
Significance
Risk factors for heart disease for both men and women include high cholesterol, obesity and inactivity, high blood pressure and smoking. People who have diabetes are also at a higher risk for a heart attack. As noted in the "Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing," a person's risk for heart disease increases if he or she has a male relative who experienced a heart attack before age 55 or a female relative who experienced a heart attack before age 65.
Warning Signs
The American Heart Association states symptoms of a heart attack include chest discomfort in the center of the chest that can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain; discomfort in one or both arms, the back and neck, jaw or stomach. In addition, the patient may have shortness of breath, sweating and feel sick to their stomach. The pain may last for more than a few minutes, or goes away and then comes back. Some patients will describe the chest discomfort as a feeling of indigestion or heartburn.
Symptoms for Women
Both men and women may experience some of the classic warning signs listed above if they are having a heart attack, but women are more likely to report having less dramatic symptoms, in addition to classic signs. Women may experience a general feeling of discomfort, lightheadedness and sleep disturbances. Weakness and fatigue are common complaints from women having heart attacks. Women may also describe having chest discomfort that occurs more often while at rest, usually at night.
Symptoms for Men
Men who are experiencing a heart attack will usually present with the classic warning signs. Chest pain has been considered the hallmark of a heart attack which prompts the patient to seek treatment. Those who do not experience the severe chest pain may not recognize the seriousness of their symptoms and will delay seeking medical treatment, thinking it is just heartburn.
Considerations
Both men and women who have any of the signs of a heart attack should call 911 and be evaluated by a physician. Do not drive yourself to the emergency room. Ambulance services are equipped and trained to treat your symptoms, should they worsen on the way to the hospital.
References
- "Harvard Women's Health Watch"; Harvard Medical School; January 2010
- "Chest Pain and Associated Symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndromes"; DeVon & Ryan; Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing; 2005
