Heart attacks symptoms can be more than pain in the arm and chest, and for women, the symptoms can show up in ways many people never knew. We’ve listed five ways heart attack symptoms can manifest themselves in women specifically, and what to look out for in the future.
Chest Pain
This one is pretty simple and manifests in both men and women. While symptoms can be different between men and women, this is still considered the number 1 sign. Dr. Sharonne Hayes, director of the Women’s Heart Clinic at the Mayo Clinic, notes that “it’s important to say that we’re way more alike than we are different. The main symptom for men and women is some type of chest discomfort, pain, pressure, burning. About 90 percent-plus of men and women have that, if asked.”
Lightheadedness, dizziness, and other pain
Changes in your ability to exercise can be a massive sign of a heart attack. More than men, women can have more shortness of breath or nausea and vomiting than men, and so it’s important to consider seeing a doctor immediately if you start feeling these symptoms!
Changes in your ability to exercise
If easy exercise, or even anything like walking up the stairs, has suddenly become a difficult endeavor, this can be a sign of a heart attack. If things that were easy to you suddenly give you labored breathing, it’s time to call your physician.
“I find as a physician, one of the most helpful questions when somebody comes in and says they’re breathless, I say, think back… Could you do that earlier this summer or last summer, and now you can’t?” Hayes said.
Heavy or labored breathing
Similar to the shortness of breath in exercise, if you’re feeling difficulties in breathing at rest, it might be time to visit the doctor. If other people are also noticing, it’s important to get help ASAP.
An overall feeling of being uncharacteristically unwell or fatigued
People expect a dramatic experience when experiencing a heart attack, but the truth is, symptoms can wax and wane. If you’re feeling unwell in any sort of way, it’s always best to get checked on. If you’ve got a history of hypertension, obesity, and/or family history, make sure to seek help!
While heart attacks can be a traumatic moment, knowing these symptoms will help women know what to look for as they grow older. Make sure to keep your eyes out for both yourself and for those around you!
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[Source: Today]
