What are the Symptoms of Women’s Heart Attack?
September 27, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Women can experience heart attack symptoms that differ from those typically seen in men. These differences can sometimes lead to underrecognition or misinterpretation of heart attack symptoms in women. Some reasons for these variations include:
- Different Coronary Artery Disease Patterns:
- Women may have blockages in the smaller blood vessels of the heart (microvascular disease) or in the lining of the heart arteries (non-obstructive coronary artery disease), which may present with symptoms that are less typical and may be overlooked.
- Hormonal and Age Factors:
- Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause, can influence the presentation of heart attack symptoms in women. Additionally, heart disease risk increases with age in both genders, but the risk tends to rise later in life for women compared to men.
- Variation in Pain Sensation:
- Women may describe chest pain or discomfort differently, using terms like tightness, pressure, burning, or fullness rather than the more classic “crushing” chest pain often associated with heart attacks.
- Atypical Symptoms:
- Women may experience symptoms that are not typically associated with heart attacks, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, back or jaw pain, and pain in the neck or upper abdomen.
- Silent Heart Attacks:
- Some women may have “silent” heart attacks with minimal or no noticeable symptoms, making diagnosis challenging without appropriate medical evaluation.
- Psychosocial Factors:
- Emotional and psychological stressors, which can be more prevalent in women, may play a role in triggering symptoms or masking the symptoms of a heart attack.
- Misinterpretation of Symptoms:
- Women may attribute their symptoms to other conditions, such as indigestion, anxiety, or stress, and may delay seeking medical attention.
Due to these differences, healthcare providers and the public need to be aware of atypical heart attack symptoms in women. Education on recognizing a range of symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention can significantly improve outcomes for women experiencing a heart attack.
It’s crucial for both men and women to be proactive about heart health, understand the risk factors for heart disease, and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing any concerning symptoms.