Heart Attack Signs in Women
Whilst men are more likely to have a heart attack, women are more likely to die from such an event and are more likely to have an attack younger.
Higher cholesterol levels, higher blood pressure, and increased strain on the body's systems through the menopause all contribute to this increased risk for ladies.
Heart attack signs are the same for women as they are with men, and both sexes should be equally vigilant of warnings that their body gives them. Individuals may experience different warning signs, so be aware of them all. Spotting heart attack signs in women or men can mean alleviation of some of the damage that the attack could do to the body. In some cases an early warning might save a life. Unfortunately for us about one in four heart attacks do not produce any warning symptoms at all; in all other cases vigilance can make a difference.
Remember: just because the pain from one or more of these symptoms is not unbearable doesn't mean that it should be ignored.
Some Warning Signs
- Intense pressure or a fullness or squeezing in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes
- Pain and/or discomfort in the center of the chest, and again if this lasts for more than a few minutes
- Aching or discomfort in and around the head area: jaw, arms, shoulders or neck
- Continued and persistent chest pain that will not go away chest pain that gets much worse
- Clammy skin, or profuse sweating
- A shortness of breath (easily disregarded, especially in asthma sufferers)
- Continued biliousness, nausea or sickness
- Unexplained fainting
- Unexplained and continued dizziness
- Weakness of fatigue
- Irregular pulse
- Unexplained rapid pulse
- Severe anxiety the so-called "feel of impending doom"
Warning Signs Not Just in the Chest
Many of these warning signs relate to the chest and the functions of the chest. That the first pains would emanate from here is perhaps expected, but this does not mean that the signs are constrained to that area. Heart attacks can and do happen without any chest pain, so don't disregard the other warning signs without getting checked.
Heart Attack Tests
A doctor will be able to perform tests which will show him or her how your heart is performing. These tests could take the form of a physical examination, an electrocardiogram or a blood test.
The symptoms of acute angina bear closely resemblance to those of a heart attack, and it may be that one is confused for the other. Again, the doctor is the one to make this diagnosis, not you or someone who thinks they know what to look for in a medical emergency! Don't leave your health to chance.
Naturally you should call your local emergency number if you or anyone you are with starts to feel these symptoms. Don't worry about bothering your doctor or hospital! They would much rather you played it safe and double checked, rather than ignoring and suffering a heart attack.