Heart Attack Warning Signs Different In Women Than Men; 5 Dangerous Symptoms to Watch Out For!

• comments
• 
• 

The symptoms of a heart attack in women often go unnoticed as they are likely taken as symptoms of other health issues. A scientific statement recently published by American Heart Association (AHA) in the journal Circulation highlights the difference of heart attack between men and women.

Reuters reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. However, the symptoms of a heart attack that may signal for an immediate medical attention are often different in women. If the symptoms are not recognized, this can lead to improper treatment and slower diagnosis.

The Washington Post reports that the way the life-threatening blood clot form differs in both sexes. Women have less severe blockages that may hinder blood flow. This leads to a more subtle presentation of the disease. Men, on the other hand, tend to manifest the classic type of blockage where the arteries raptures.

Aside from sex, age is also a risk factor for women. Women tend to be a decade older than men when they suffer from heart attacks. This makes them more vulnerable to suffer from other health problems, which will make treatment a lot more complicated.

More so, the race is also a risk factor for women. It is noted that heart disease in black and Hispanic women is undertreated, according to AHA. They may also suffer from other health issues like diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure during the heart attack. As a result, even young women with other health complication such as diabetes are four to five times more likely to suffer from heart attack.

Unlike men who experience excruciating pain in the chest before a heart attack, women experience a heart attack without chest pressure. Here are five dangerous symptoms to watch out for that can mean a heart attack:

1. Chest Pain or discomfort - this is the most common symptom of a heart attack, reports Web MD. It may feel anywhere in the chest and not just concentrated on the left side. It may often last a few minutes, goes away and comes back, according to AHA.
2. Pain in the arms, back, neck or jaw - the pain can be gradual or sudden. It often confuses women who expect pain on their left chest or left arm. You should report any uncommon pain above your waist to your doctor.
3. Stomach pain - this symptom is sometimes taken for a heartburn, the flu or stomach ulcer, reports Web MD. The pain is reportedly severe as though an elephant is sitting on your stomach, says cardiologist Nieca Goldberg, MD.
4. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort - the symptom may also include nausea and light-headedness. If you have trouble breathing for no apparent reason, then you might probably be having a heart attack especially if there are also other symptoms.
5. Sweating or cold sweat - this feels more like stress-related sweating than sweating from exercise. This is very common in women who are having a heart attack.

Watch the video below for the subtle signs of a heart attack: