Heart Attack Warning Signs for Women
June 11, 2021 1:08 pm
It’s true, heart attack warning signs for women are somewhat different from men and what you may think you know. The media portrays heart attack victims grabbing their chest and falling to the ground, but it is not quite the same for women. Since heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, it’s best to recognize and take action with certain warning signs.
Typical Symptoms For Men
Most of us are aware of the typical warning signs for men. They include sweating, nausea, and pressure or pain in the chest area that can move to the jaw, neck, or shoulder. In addition, there can be a feeling of lightheadedness, fainting can occur, and shortness of breath.
Some of the heart attack warning signs for women can be similar, but not all women experience the chest pain or pressure.
Women Should Not Ignore These Symptoms
Women can have a heart attack with or without chest pain and pressure. This is possibly the most important factor to know. There are more subtle signs in women prior to and during a heart attack.
Some of the more common warning signs for women include the following and they should not be ignored:
- Pressure or discomfort in one or both arms, shoulder or neck
- Pain and discomfort in the lower chest or upper abdomen
- Extreme fatigue
- Upper back pressure and jaw pain
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Nausea and vomiting
It is easy to pass these symptoms off as the flu, a stomach bug, acid reflux, or just getting older, and not seek help.
Women’s Signs Can Come Prior To A Heart Attack
Studies have shown that women can experience the above symptoms weeks before having an actual heart attack. This is sometimes called a “silent heart attack.”
Talk with Magnolia Regional Health Center if you experience any of these three subtle signs that may occur weeks before a heart attack.
- If you become extremely tired after doing simple chores.
- Another one is shortness of breath when lying down, but it improves when you sit up.
- Pain in the left lower jaw is a subtle heart attack sign you should not ignore.
It is important to report the problem to your physician and be examined. Don’t wait until it’s too late. You know your body better than anyone, so take these more subtle signs as a warning.
Contact Magnolia Regional Health Center if you notice any combination of the heart attack warning signs for women.
Heart DiseaseCategorized in: Heart HealthCategorized in: News
This post was written by Magnolia Regional Health Center
