Although heart disease is usually seen as a male-oriented concern, women are equally susceptible to it. In reality, women may experience different symptoms than males when they have a heart attack, which makes it more challenging to identify. The perilous misconception that heart disease is a "man's disease" has persisted for many years. This misconception has resulted in fatalities, especially for women. Since 1984, more women have died from cardiovascular disease than men. The statistics are alarming! Every year, 250,000 women lose their lives to coronary artery disease alone, out of 450,000 heart disease-related deaths.
Nonetheless, many women continue to believe that breast cancer poses the greatest threat to their health. Although breast cancer poses a significant risk, heart disease continues to be the primary cause of mortality for women. This misperception ultimately leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, putting women at greater risk.
Heart disease usually strikes women ten years later than it does to men, but this delay does not provide protection; on the contrary, it often exacerbates the problem. Women's inability to recognise signs is a key factor in their worse post-heart attack outcomes. Remarkably, over 35% of heart attacks in women go unreported or unrecognised.
The risk rises because older women are more likely to have co-morbid conditions like diabetes and hypertension. These underlying issues and delayed identification generally makes treatment and recovery more challenging. Because of this, women should pay especially close attention to the warning signs that their bodies are giving them. The following article will provide detailed insights into signs of a heart attack in women. Be aware and be safe.
Also Read: 5 Critical Warning Signs of Heart Attack In Women
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
The most common indication of a heart attack in both men and women is chest pain. However, symptoms such as nausea and transient neck or back pain that may not appear to be related to a heart attack are more common in women than in men. Women often describe chest pain from heart attacks as pressure or tightness. Chest pain does not, however, usually indicate a heart attack. Women are more likely than men to experience the following heart attack symptoms:- Tightness or pain in neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or upper stomach
- Breathlessness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Aching one or both arms
- Lightheadedness
- Over sweating
- Dizziness
- Heartburn (indigestion)
- Unexplained fatigue
Risk Factors for Heart Attack in Women
Everyone should take heart health and its alarms seriously. Women under 65 should keep a close eye on their heart disease risk factors, especially if they have a family history of the condition. Heart disease risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, and excessive cholesterol levels. Both men and women are affected. But when it comes to women getting heart disease, there might be more factors at play. The following illnesses increase the risk of heart disease and are more prevalent in women than in men:- Smoking
- Physical inactivity
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy complications
- Menopause
- Family history of early heart disease
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and scleroderma, and inflammatory conditions
When to See a Doctor?
If you think you or someone in front of you is experiencing the signs of a heart attack or suspect one, get medical help promptly.Lifestyle Changes to Minimise the Risk of Heart Attacks
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Try these heart-healthy activities:- Because smoking destroys blood vessels, steer clear of tobacco products. It is a significant heart disease risk factor.
- Consume a nutritious diet. Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and dairy products that are low in fat or fat. Limit your consumption of salt and sugar. Avoid saturated fats and trans fats.
- Keep your weight in check and work out regularly. If you are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can lower your risk of heart disease. You should discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine your desired weight.
- Manage your stresses. Stress can cause arteries to narrow, which raises the risk of coronary microvascular disease.
- Some stress-reduction techniques include joining support groups, increasing physical activity, and practicing mindfulness.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Use alcohol cautiously if you choose to drink. For healthy individuals, that entails a maximum of one drink for women and two for men each day.
- Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Make lifestyle changes and take prescription drugs as directed. Do not miss your regular health examinations.
Conclusion
It's critical to identify heart attack symptoms in women. Signs such as exhaustion, nausea, dizziness, and jaw or back pain should never be disregarded in addition to chest pain. Treatment and diagnosis at an early stage can save lives. Know signs and symptoms of a heart attack in women & take control of the health of your heart today. Our expert heart care doctors at Asian Hospital are available to provide you with individualized, top-notch cardiac care. Contact us and book an appointment today for a healthier tomorrow!FAQs
Q1: How does a heart attack feel in females?A: A feeling of fullness, pressure, or squeezing in the centre of your chest. It either stops and then comes back, or it continues for more than a few minutes. There may be pain in one or both arms, the back, the neck, the jaw, or the stomach. Breathlessness with or without chest discomfort is another classic sign of heart attack.
Q2: How do heart attacks often commence?
A: A heart attack occurs when the heart's blood supply is significantly reduced or obstructed. The blockage usually results from the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the heart's (coronary) arteries. Deposits of fat and cholesterol are called plaques.
Q3: Can an ECG identify a heart blockage?
A: An ECG is a great tool for evaluating cardiac impulses and can help in getting a hint of heart blockages or artery issues indirectly.
