Heart attack is a common cardiovascular disease that affects thousands of people of all genders and ages every year worldwide. It happens when the blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing damage to the heart.
A heart attack can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Although heart attack symptoms may be relatively similar in men and women, there are some differences in how they present. Women may experience symptoms that are different from the “typical” ones that men experience.
It is essential to understand these differences to be able to recognize them and get prompt treatment.
What Are the Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
Whether one is a man or woman, the signs and symptoms of a heart attack can vary. Still, some symptoms are commonly experienced by both genders, which include:.
- Chest pain or pressure: This is the most common symptom of a heart attack. It often feels like an uncomfortable squeezing, fullness, or pressure in the chest that lasts for several minutes or goes away and comes back.
- Shortness of breath: Some people may experience difficulty breathing or feel like they cannot catch their breath, even when at rest.
- Upper body pain: Pain or discomfort may occur in other parts of the upper body, such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Lightheadedness, dizziness or nausea: Some people may feel dizzy, lightheaded or experience nausea. These symptoms may be more common in women.
Differences in Symptoms between Men and Women
While many of the symptoms of a heart attack are the same for men and women, some differences can occur in how they present.
Women may experience more subtle symptoms or symptoms that are not typically associated with a heart attack, which can lead to confusion and delayed treatment.
1. Chest Pain
Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women. However, women may experience chest pain differently than men do.
Women may feel sharp, burning chest pain, or discomfort, or more commonly, they may have more atypical symptoms like:.
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Male vs. Female Heart Attack Symptoms
- Pressure or tightness in the chest: Women may experience a sense of pressure or tightness in their chest that comes and goes. They may mistake this for indigestion, acid reflux, or normal aging issues.
- Shortness of breath: Women may experience sudden and unexplained shortness of breath without any discomfort in the chest.
- Fatigue: Women may feel incredibly tired or weak without any obvious reason.
- Flu-like symptoms: Women may experience flu-like symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or sweating, indicating a possible heart disease attack.
2. Pain in the Upper Body
While men might experience pain in their left arm during a heart attack, women might feel pain in other areas like the back, neck, jaw, abdomen, or right arm. If you experience pain in any of these areas, it’s critical to seek medical attention.
3. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath may be a more common symptom in women in the days and weeks before a heart attack happens. It can be due to the heart struggling to keep up with the demands of the body.
4. Anxiety
According to recent studies, many women report feeling anxious or have a sense of impending doom before a heart attack occurs.
If you start feeling uneasy or uncertain about situations that usually do not affect you much, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional.
5. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Recent studies have shown that obstructive sleep apnea is a more significant risk factor for heart disease in women than it is in men.
Some research suggests that it blocks the body’s oxygen supply, increases the risk for high blood pressure, and may cause inflammation of the blood vessels near the heart.
6. Age
Women are more susceptible to heart attacks when they reach menopausal age, and estrogen levels decrease. Estrogen levels help keep blood vessels open and flexible, and decreased levels may raise the risk of developing heart disease.
Conclusion
The symptoms of a heart attack can vary between men and women, and some women may have more subtle or atypical symptoms than men. Women may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, or pressure or tightness in the chest.
It’s essential to recognize these symptoms and seek prompt medical attention to avoid further complications.
