Men and women have different heart attack symptoms. Here’s how
Heart disease-related fatalities account for 32% of all deaths worldwide. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) research, heart attacks and strokes were the cause of 85% of these fatalities. This makes it crucial to recognize the disease’s signs as doing so will enable medical personnel to treat patients promptly and save lives.
The medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction.
When blood supply to a portion of the heart is restricted, generally due to a clot in a coronary artery, the result is a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction. The heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and nutrients by this blockage, which may cause tissue damage or even death. Chest pain or discomfort, nausea, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and cold sweats are typical symptoms. Timely medical intervention is essential to reduce cardiac injury and enhance results. Medication, such blood thinners or clot-busting pharmaceuticals, and surgical techniques, like bypass surgery or angioplasty, to restore blood flow to the heart muscle, may be part of the treatment. For prevention and recovery, rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications are often advised.
signs of a heart attack
Although heart attack symptoms might vary, they often involve chest pain or discomfort, which can feel full, pressurize, or spread to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Other typical symptoms include weariness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. It is possible for women and older individuals to have uncommon symptoms including unusual weariness, dizziness, or indigestion. It’s critical to identify these symptoms and get medical attention right away. Early intervention may increase the patient’s chances of life and recovery by halting more cardiac damage.
Women must be aware of their particular symptoms.
In contrast to males, women do not usually experience acute chest pain or discomfort, nor is it always the most noticeable indication of a heart attack. That’s why, according to Mayo Clinic experts, women should be aware of their particular symptoms in addition to trying to lower their risk of heart disease. According to the research, while odd exhaustion, nausea, dizziness, and sweating may not seem like classic heart attack symptoms, they are prevalent in women and may happen more often when they are relaxing or sleeping. Women who exhibit heart attack symptoms sometimes mistake these symptoms. The symptoms that affect women are often nonspecific and include dyspnea, nausea, and headaches or backaches. Some women report feeling very tired, experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness, and experiencing discomfort in the upper or lower abdomen.
What puts women at risk for heart attacks?
Similar risk factors for heart attacks in men and women include obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. But women may also be at risk for other conditions including autoimmune disorders like lupus, pregnancy problems, and hormonal changes brought on by menopause. Anxiety, despair, and emotional strain may all be factors. Women may also have different patterns of plaque accumulation or smaller coronary arteries, which might impact the heart’s ability to pump blood.
“About 64 per cent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms”
The American Heart Association (AHA) states that smoking and birth control pills together increase a young woman’s risk of heart disease by 20%. Heart attacks in women might occur without any prior symptoms. According to the AHA, 64% of women who pass away unexpectedly from coronary heart disease did not exhibit any symptoms beforehand. Women are more at risk as they become older, and family history is often a role. Overindulgence in food and a sedentary way of living are other variables that eventually cause clogged arteries. The American Heart Association suggests screening for cholesterol at age 20, or earlier if heart disease runs in the family. Regularly checking your blood pressure is also crucial.
Heart attacks should be taken seriously by women of all ages.
Women may avoid heart attacks by identifying and controlling these risk factors and leading a healthy lifestyle. For the best results, therapy and early diagnosis are essential. Family physician Chatura Alur of the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato said, “It’s important to first recognize the risk factors of developing heart disease and then work to curb behaviors that might exacerbate that risk.” “Heart disease should be taken seriously by women of all ages. Many women have a tendency to minimize their symptoms and delay seeking medical attention until cardiac damage has already happened and an ER visit is required. Women should know how important it is to pay attention to their bodies, recognize what seems normal to them, and seek medical attention before symptoms worsen, Dr. Alur said.
