A heart attack is a potentially fatal condition caused by an interruption in blood flow to the heart.
Women are less likely than males to survive their first heart attack. This might be because the symptoms differ between the sexes. Women are more prone to experience a “silent” heart attack or odd symptoms. Regular check-ups must be done by your cardiac professional in a nearby emergency room.
Furthermore, because some disorders that raise risk, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), do not exist in male biology, female biology provides distinct risk factors for heart attack.
Early Symptoms of a heart attack in women
Symptoms may be persistent or intermittent, and they may interfere with sleep if you notice any of the following symptoms, an echocardiogram is mandatory to be done. The following are symptoms of a probable heart attack:
Chest pain
It can be defined as follows:
Tightness
pressure.
Squeezing
aching.
Extreme or extraordinary exhaustion
In the weeks preceding a heart attack, unusual weariness is frequently noted. Fatigue is also felt immediately before the event, and it can be confirmed by cardiac blood profile.
Weakness
The following symptoms may accompany this weakness or shake:
Anxiety
Dizziness
Fainting
feeling lightheaded
Breathing difficulty
A cardiac condition may indicate shortness of breath or heavy breathing without activity, particularly by exhaustion or chest discomfort.
Perspiring
Excessive perspiration without a known reason is another typical heart attack in women. Cold and clammy sensations might sometimes be an indication of cardiac issues.
Upper body pain
The following areas may be affected:
Neck
Mouth
upper back
either arm.
The pain may begin in one region and extend to others gradually, or it may strike suddenly.
Sleep disruptions
Difficulty falling asleep and odd awakening may be symptoms of a heart attack.
These disruptions may include
difficulties falling asleep
odd awakening during the night
feeling fatigued despite adequate sleep.
Stomach problems
Other digestive issues related to a potential heart attack include
Indigestion
Nausea
vomiting.
Heart attack after menopause
Because estrogen levels drop after menopause, the risk of a heart attack rises.
Symptoms of a post-menopausal heart attack include
pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
a fast or irregular heartbeat.
significant chest pain.
perspiration without exertion.
A doctor will take note of your symptoms, examine your blood pressure and heart rate, and may prescribe blood tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG) to see the electrical activity of your heart.
What You Can Do Right Now to Avoid a Heart Attack
Although some risk factors are beyond your control, there are numerous things you can do to safeguard your heart health. It is claimed that 80 percent of cardiac disease, including heart attacks and strokes, may be avoided by making simple lifestyle modifications like:
Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese raises your chance of developing heart disease.
Eating a heart-healthy diet: Limit your processed foods and sweets intake
Regular exercise: A steady fitness plan might improve your heart health
Limiting alcohol consumption: Women should restrict their alcohol use to no more than one drink each day.
Increased movement: Moving throughout the day is beneficial to exercise. Avoid sitting for lengthy periods.
Stress management: There is growing evidence that stress and its influence on heart health should not be underestimated.
Getting an annual exam: heart disease is difficult to anticipate, especially if there are no symptoms. Getting a yearly check-up and going for an echocardiogram is the most excellent way to remain on top of risk factors and seek treatment for heart-related diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Bottom Line:
A heart attack is a dangerous and sometimes deadly medical episode that needs immediate medical attention. Women’s symptoms of a heart attack differ from men’s. They also have extra risk factors. There are several actions women may do to lower their chance of heart attack. Visiting emergency rooms, Awareness of heart attack symptoms, cardiac blood profile, and check-ups, particularly in the weeks preceding the occurrence, can help improve outcomes and prevent complications.
